Tonight as I was bringing the dinner dishes to the table to prepare for supper, Zay Bear ran to the drawer and got out a fork and ran over to Abba's seat and placed the fork on the table in front of his chair. Then he proceeded to run over to the bottom of the stairs and yelled, "Abba, ready!". He had seen his brother and sister do this many a time both for lunch and dinner to call Peter to come down for meals. After his announcement to Peter, he ran over and then went to get another fork and placed it in my spot, and the one for his sister, brother, and himself. What a good little helper!
When I took him upstairs to tell Peter what he had done, he listened carefully as I shared his accomplishments, and he had such a proud smile on his face.
Welcome to the Bang Family Blog!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
T-Max's Prayer
T-Max's prayer the other night:
Noona had just finished praying about the people in Japan and their recovery after the earthquake and tsunami. It was T-Max's turn to pray, but just before we began praying we heard firetrucks and ambulance going down our street. So we had run to the window to take a look.
Dear God,
Please help the firetruck to help the somebody.
Please help the firetruck to rescue the somebody.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Noona had just finished praying about the people in Japan and their recovery after the earthquake and tsunami. It was T-Max's turn to pray, but just before we began praying we heard firetrucks and ambulance going down our street. So we had run to the window to take a look.
Dear God,
Please help the firetruck to help the somebody.
Please help the firetruck to rescue the somebody.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
His prayer
On Saturday, Zay Bear spontaneously prayed for his sister who complained of a tummy ache. He always bows his head so low that his chin almost hits his chest when he prays. This was his prayer:
"Dod (God), Noona bebber (better). Amen."
Way too sweet!
"Dod (God), Noona bebber (better). Amen."
Way too sweet!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Update on my update
A friend of mine whom I haven't seen in a long time, wrote me an email in response to my last blog post. This was her email:
"I just read your blog update about your boys. Tears filled my eyes as I considered what a good mommy you are to your little ones. They are so blessed to have a mother who carries them on her heart, praying for them, diligently teaches them (with patience I am sure--as you always seem so calm/patient!). As I am finding myself in the trenches with my boys it helps to remind myself of those who have gone ahead of me and are excelling at joyfully serving the Lord by raising their children and loving their husband."
Well, immediately in response, I had a realization. This is part of what I wrote back to her:
"It is so good to hear from you! I didn't realize that you were still reading my blog. Honestly, while I'm encouraged by your email, I realize too, that by sharing so sporadically, I can paint the picture that all is well all the time, which of course you know that it isn't. Unfortunately, I don't have to the time to blog regularly, so my updates can highlight just the good moments. Trust me, we have PLENTY of difficult moments (or shall we say sovereign deliveries) that I don't blog about. I am not patient, in fact far from it. I am so impatient that it makes the times that I am patient stand as out even more as work of the Lord. I battle anger every day, several times a day. I've given into anger many times a day through harsh words or an angry tone.
Nevertheless, thanks for your email and for your encouragement. I like how you said that you are in the "trenches". It's so true! Several days out of the week, I don't get out of my pjs, I don't brush my teeth (til after lunch at least when the boys go down!), and our house is a mess. But as you said, it's about joyfully serving the Lord, and that JOY comes from knowing our Savior, who helps us in our times of need."
I don't mean to paint this picture of my life that every day goes smoothly, and school goes off without a hitch or that I'm praying for them all the time. I hope to post more about those harder moments...the real moments of motherhood, but blogging is never at the top of my to do list. I will say this, by far in my life to this moment, this is one of the hardest jobs I have ever done, but my three little "employers" bring me so much joy, and the love they show me is far beyond what I deserve.
"I just read your blog update about your boys. Tears filled my eyes as I considered what a good mommy you are to your little ones. They are so blessed to have a mother who carries them on her heart, praying for them, diligently teaches them (with patience I am sure--as you always seem so calm/patient!). As I am finding myself in the trenches with my boys it helps to remind myself of those who have gone ahead of me and are excelling at joyfully serving the Lord by raising their children and loving their husband."
Well, immediately in response, I had a realization. This is part of what I wrote back to her:
"It is so good to hear from you! I didn't realize that you were still reading my blog. Honestly, while I'm encouraged by your email, I realize too, that by sharing so sporadically, I can paint the picture that all is well all the time, which of course you know that it isn't. Unfortunately, I don't have to the time to blog regularly, so my updates can highlight just the good moments. Trust me, we have PLENTY of difficult moments (or shall we say sovereign deliveries) that I don't blog about. I am not patient, in fact far from it. I am so impatient that it makes the times that I am patient stand as out even more as work of the Lord. I battle anger every day, several times a day. I've given into anger many times a day through harsh words or an angry tone.
Nevertheless, thanks for your email and for your encouragement. I like how you said that you are in the "trenches". It's so true! Several days out of the week, I don't get out of my pjs, I don't brush my teeth (til after lunch at least when the boys go down!), and our house is a mess. But as you said, it's about joyfully serving the Lord, and that JOY comes from knowing our Savior, who helps us in our times of need."
I don't mean to paint this picture of my life that every day goes smoothly, and school goes off without a hitch or that I'm praying for them all the time. I hope to post more about those harder moments...the real moments of motherhood, but blogging is never at the top of my to do list. I will say this, by far in my life to this moment, this is one of the hardest jobs I have ever done, but my three little "employers" bring me so much joy, and the love they show me is far beyond what I deserve.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Zay's 18 Month and T-Max's 3 year Update
Intended to get T-Max's 3 year stats up back in December...but I just couldn't get past the busyness of the holidays, traveling, and school.
The crazy thing is that at the time of T-Max's checkup, he still had 2 pounds on Zay, but as of this week, little brother officially weighs more than big brother.
T-Max @ 3 years:
Weight: 28.6 lbs - 10th percentile
Height: 37 in - 25th percentile
Zay Bear @ 18 months:
Weight: 29.5 lbs - 75-90th
Height: 34.5 in - 90-95th
Head: 19.25 in - 75-90th
T-Max has grown and matured so much. He is our sweetest, most affectionate, cuddly one. Last night after T-Max and N were put to bed, he was annoying his sister by kissing her face repeatedly. When N asked him to stop, his reply was, "But Noona, I just love you!" Of course, he knows how to get on her nerves, but this captures our little guy. He's so sweet. It is not uncommon to find him caressing my face or my arm gently.
He's been doing great with preschool, working on shapes, numbers, tracing, coloring, identifying first sounds in a word or just putting together his favorite puzzles or building with legos. He's becoming more interested in our daily Bible readings and remembering specific people we've read about. Lately, he's been into acting out David and Goliath.
T-Max's heart is very tender. He is compassionate and sensing. When his Noona is sick, he is quick to pray for her and he'll run and get her favorite stuffed puppy. Once I tripped and had a pretty bad fall. He was the first one to run over and ask me if I was okay over and over. His first name means {God is good}. My prayer for him is that he would know the heart of God, and that through his life, that people would be able to see the goodness of God.
Zay Bear is by far our craziest one! But he's such a big boy too! He's speaking a ton and repeats everything we say. It always amazes us how much he understands. He's starting to put words together. He'll often look for someone/something by saying "Bear...where?" or say "Abba nigh night" if daddy is sleeping.
He's become super attached to his blankie, which he calls "mimi" and his bear. I have no idea where he got that name for his blankie. He literally eats ALL day, and I even asked the doctor the other day if overeating at this age can be a problem! But he just has a healthy appetite. He appears to have an adventurous palette too, as recently he's requested kimchi (unwashed!) and gak-doo-ghee (spicy radish) which neither of my older kids will eat.
Zay loves everything Elmo and Abby and the rest of the Sesame Street gang. He loves singing songs or just moving to music. He learns songs very quickly, and seems drawn to music in general. Just today he was swaying to some classical music. When we turned the music off, he walked over to the computer to try and turn it back on. His first name means {God is salvation} and his his middle name means {praise and thanksgiving}. Recently as I prayed for Zay at bedtime, I thought about the meaning of his name and thought of "praise and worship". It made me begin to pray for the Lord to grant him musical gifting to lead people to salvation through music/praise/worship.
I love my boys! And I love that they have each other.
The crazy thing is that at the time of T-Max's checkup, he still had 2 pounds on Zay, but as of this week, little brother officially weighs more than big brother.
T-Max @ 3 years:
Weight: 28.6 lbs - 10th percentile
Height: 37 in - 25th percentile
Zay Bear @ 18 months:
Weight: 29.5 lbs - 75-90th
Height: 34.5 in - 90-95th
Head: 19.25 in - 75-90th
T-Max has grown and matured so much. He is our sweetest, most affectionate, cuddly one. Last night after T-Max and N were put to bed, he was annoying his sister by kissing her face repeatedly. When N asked him to stop, his reply was, "But Noona, I just love you!" Of course, he knows how to get on her nerves, but this captures our little guy. He's so sweet. It is not uncommon to find him caressing my face or my arm gently.
He's been doing great with preschool, working on shapes, numbers, tracing, coloring, identifying first sounds in a word or just putting together his favorite puzzles or building with legos. He's becoming more interested in our daily Bible readings and remembering specific people we've read about. Lately, he's been into acting out David and Goliath.
T-Max's heart is very tender. He is compassionate and sensing. When his Noona is sick, he is quick to pray for her and he'll run and get her favorite stuffed puppy. Once I tripped and had a pretty bad fall. He was the first one to run over and ask me if I was okay over and over. His first name means {God is good}. My prayer for him is that he would know the heart of God, and that through his life, that people would be able to see the goodness of God.
Zay Bear is by far our craziest one! But he's such a big boy too! He's speaking a ton and repeats everything we say. It always amazes us how much he understands. He's starting to put words together. He'll often look for someone/something by saying "Bear...where?" or say "Abba nigh night" if daddy is sleeping.
He's become super attached to his blankie, which he calls "mimi" and his bear. I have no idea where he got that name for his blankie. He literally eats ALL day, and I even asked the doctor the other day if overeating at this age can be a problem! But he just has a healthy appetite. He appears to have an adventurous palette too, as recently he's requested kimchi (unwashed!) and gak-doo-ghee (spicy radish) which neither of my older kids will eat.
Zay loves everything Elmo and Abby and the rest of the Sesame Street gang. He loves singing songs or just moving to music. He learns songs very quickly, and seems drawn to music in general. Just today he was swaying to some classical music. When we turned the music off, he walked over to the computer to try and turn it back on. His first name means {God is salvation} and his his middle name means {praise and thanksgiving}. Recently as I prayed for Zay at bedtime, I thought about the meaning of his name and thought of "praise and worship". It made me begin to pray for the Lord to grant him musical gifting to lead people to salvation through music/praise/worship.
I love my boys! And I love that they have each other.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Autumn Pics
Just uploaded a bunch of photos we took from the autumn on flickr. Check out our niece's Dohl, field trip to a pumpkin patch, some of our Thanksgiving activities, pics of Operation Christmas Child boxes, our science experiments, and other random things.
A few highlights here:
A few highlights here:
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child
I'm really excited to involve my kiddos Operation Christmas Child this year. I had wanted to last year as well, but I didn't get my act together in time and totally missed the drop off.
All week we've been reading the SP newsletter about the program and stories of children who received shoeboxes whose lives are changed by a few simple gifts. We've also been praying for the little girl and little boy who will receive our shoeboxes. We were inspired to pray for God to help us to know what each child would need as we read about a boy named Kanuti in Africa who took his school supplies to school in a torn plastic bag. When he opened his box, he found a backpack! As well, we read about Rahma, also an African boy, whose clothes were tattered and too small. In his shoebox, he had been given a pair of jeans that fit him perfectly! Kanuti and Rahma are now believers, and no doubt receiving their shoeboxes had an impact on their receiving faith.
So today we took a trip as a family to Target to get all sorts of goodies. N and T-Max were super excited about picking out gifts! And I'm even more excited that SP now has a system where if you make your donation online to cover the shipping, they can track which country your box goes to. How cool is that?
Anyways, I don't even really know who's reading this out there, but if you would consider making a shoebox donation to a child in need somewhere in the world, that would be awesome. Here's a video that tells you more about OCC.
By the way, collection week is Nov. 15-22, and if you live near me, there's a drop off at:
Redland Baptist Church
6922 Muncaster Mill Road
Rockville, MD 20855
All week we've been reading the SP newsletter about the program and stories of children who received shoeboxes whose lives are changed by a few simple gifts. We've also been praying for the little girl and little boy who will receive our shoeboxes. We were inspired to pray for God to help us to know what each child would need as we read about a boy named Kanuti in Africa who took his school supplies to school in a torn plastic bag. When he opened his box, he found a backpack! As well, we read about Rahma, also an African boy, whose clothes were tattered and too small. In his shoebox, he had been given a pair of jeans that fit him perfectly! Kanuti and Rahma are now believers, and no doubt receiving their shoeboxes had an impact on their receiving faith.
So today we took a trip as a family to Target to get all sorts of goodies. N and T-Max were super excited about picking out gifts! And I'm even more excited that SP now has a system where if you make your donation online to cover the shipping, they can track which country your box goes to. How cool is that?
Anyways, I don't even really know who's reading this out there, but if you would consider making a shoebox donation to a child in need somewhere in the world, that would be awesome. Here's a video that tells you more about OCC.
By the way, collection week is Nov. 15-22, and if you live near me, there's a drop off at:
Redland Baptist Church
6922 Muncaster Mill Road
Rockville, MD 20855
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Zay's 15 month stats
Zay's our biggest baby yet! And it's not that he's all that chubby, he's just really meaty and solid. Just want to get down his stats and a few of his newest words so I don't forget.
Weight: 26 1/2 lbs 75th percentile
Height: 32 1/2 in 75-90th
Head: 19 in 75-90th
He's by far much more verbal at this age than my older boy. He seems to understand so much of what we say, simple directions, he's able to follow well (throw it away, put it in the sink, give this to so and so), when we tell stories about him or when we say that we think he's cute, he gives a cheesy toothy grin.
Some of his newest words...
"wah-ry" = sorry
The other day he bit his brother on the cheek (T-Max still has a mark!). I was teaching him to say sorry while stroking his brother's face gently. And now when he thinks he's done something wrong, he'll say "wah-ry".
"way, way" = away
He says this after every diaper change or after snacks and meals to either throw away the diaper or put his bowl or cup in the sink. He loves to go to the sink and launch his bowl into the sink (learned from watching the big kids do this when they are done with their food).
"day-doo" = thank you
He loves to feed his snacks to the rest of us, and say "day-doo" while nodding his head fervently several times as he walks away.
He's also in this stage of repeating what we say, so he's definitely experimenting with language, both Korean and English.
So much to capture about this little guy at this age, but too little time. This will have to do for now.
Weight: 26 1/2 lbs 75th percentile
Height: 32 1/2 in 75-90th
Head: 19 in 75-90th
He's by far much more verbal at this age than my older boy. He seems to understand so much of what we say, simple directions, he's able to follow well (throw it away, put it in the sink, give this to so and so), when we tell stories about him or when we say that we think he's cute, he gives a cheesy toothy grin.
Some of his newest words...
"wah-ry" = sorry
The other day he bit his brother on the cheek (T-Max still has a mark!). I was teaching him to say sorry while stroking his brother's face gently. And now when he thinks he's done something wrong, he'll say "wah-ry".
"way, way" = away
He says this after every diaper change or after snacks and meals to either throw away the diaper or put his bowl or cup in the sink. He loves to go to the sink and launch his bowl into the sink (learned from watching the big kids do this when they are done with their food).
"day-doo" = thank you
He loves to feed his snacks to the rest of us, and say "day-doo" while nodding his head fervently several times as he walks away.
He's also in this stage of repeating what we say, so he's definitely experimenting with language, both Korean and English.
So much to capture about this little guy at this age, but too little time. This will have to do for now.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Pics from my b-day
I had a great birthday, a couple of weeks back. Here are some pics of the actual day. My favorite part of the day was the fact that my kiddos had made me cupcakes with my hubbie. I'm often the one baking, and it had been my secret wish to have someone bake for me. That day, Peter didn't have a car (one was in the shop) and it was raining, but he thought creatively and happened to find a box of cake mix in the pantry and none other than Nutella for the frosting. They were delicious!
Here the kiddos "frosting" the cakes. At least girlie frosted a few. T-Max frosted one and immediately ate it!
A pic with each of my kiddos. Doesn't T-Max look most like me?
The yummy cakes. Anything is better with a little Nutella. :)
Our Zay Bear enjoying his cupcake...always so diligent about eating.
Just a few more pics from that day I didn't include here.
Here the kiddos "frosting" the cakes. At least girlie frosted a few. T-Max frosted one and immediately ate it!
A pic with each of my kiddos. Doesn't T-Max look most like me?
The yummy cakes. Anything is better with a little Nutella. :)
Our Zay Bear enjoying his cupcake...always so diligent about eating.
Just a few more pics from that day I didn't include here.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
T-Max
I've been having frequent headaches the past several days. Peter asked T-Max to pray for me and to repeat, "Dear God, please help Umma's headache go away." He mumbled something similar, then paused to ask, "Why Umma head go away?" with the most puzzled look on his face. So darn cute!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
1 year and 5 years
Just want to jot this down quickly:
Zay Bear's 1 year stats:
Weight: 24 lbs 14 oz 75th percentile
Height: 311/2 in 90th
Head: 18 3/4 in 75-90th
Some of the things he's doing:
- loves to throw things down and say "uh oh!"
- loves saying "hi" to people
- points to picture of a ball in a book and says "ball"
- points to family picture and says "bba" = abba, "umma", and "na" = noona
- loves dropping different objects in containers and taking them out
- rolls cars on the floor making car sounds
- added a few new words: "ba-oon" = balloon, "psh" = fish, "mamma" = food in Korean. "boh" = bboh bboh - kiss in Korean
- loves playing peek a boo saying "puh-boo"
N also had her 5 year check up. The doctor was shocked to see that she had gained about 6 pounds and 3 inches in one year. Most of the growth happened pretty recently when we thought she had gone through a growth spurt. Despite how much she grew, her percentiles are the exact same as last year.
N @ 5 years:
Weight: 42.6 lbs 50-75th percentile
Height: 43 1/4 in 50-75th
I finally purchase my homeschooling curriculum for the fall. We got a huge box of books in the mail yesterday, and I spent hours looking through everything. I can't believe that she's starting K. I'm both excited and terrified that I'm actually doing this. Preschool was just a test run, and not "official", but something about having to fill out forms for the state that makes me a little nervous. But also excited at the same time!
Zay Bear's 1 year stats:
Weight: 24 lbs 14 oz 75th percentile
Height: 311/2 in 90th
Head: 18 3/4 in 75-90th
Some of the things he's doing:
- loves to throw things down and say "uh oh!"
- loves saying "hi" to people
- points to picture of a ball in a book and says "ball"
- points to family picture and says "bba" = abba, "umma", and "na" = noona
- loves dropping different objects in containers and taking them out
- rolls cars on the floor making car sounds
- added a few new words: "ba-oon" = balloon, "psh" = fish, "mamma" = food in Korean. "boh" = bboh bboh - kiss in Korean
- loves playing peek a boo saying "puh-boo"
N also had her 5 year check up. The doctor was shocked to see that she had gained about 6 pounds and 3 inches in one year. Most of the growth happened pretty recently when we thought she had gone through a growth spurt. Despite how much she grew, her percentiles are the exact same as last year.
N @ 5 years:
Weight: 42.6 lbs 50-75th percentile
Height: 43 1/4 in 50-75th
I finally purchase my homeschooling curriculum for the fall. We got a huge box of books in the mail yesterday, and I spent hours looking through everything. I can't believe that she's starting K. I'm both excited and terrified that I'm actually doing this. Preschool was just a test run, and not "official", but something about having to fill out forms for the state that makes me a little nervous. But also excited at the same time!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Our Zay Bear Turns 1!
Last Sunday, we celebrated Zay Bear's 1st birthday. We had a traditional Dohl (Korean 1st Birthday celebration). He was a trooper through wearing his hanbok, taking family pictures, and doing the doljabi (choosing an object to "represent" your future). Can you guess our theme?
Here are some pics that capture the day.
Pictures of the little guy over the past year.
The favors: I made bear chocolate lollipops with molds.
And this little bear was a clearance score at Michael's.
Goodie bags for the little ones
The centerpieces
Greeting his cousin with a "boh boh"
The birthday boy
We had to bribe him with food for pictures.
The 5 of us! Notice the random Snoopy in the decor. The restaurant set up the table for us, and I didn't notice til I saw the pictures that they put him in there. Oh well!
Peter's family
My family
He just sat still and looked for a couple of minutes not grabbing anything. He looked like he didn't know what to do.
He ended up picking the brush (like his brother).
But then "picked" my dad, just like T-Max too! And reached for the money after that, just like his sister. It looks like he'll learn a lot from them!
Zay Bear saying, "No Noona, you need to get your own cupcake!"
The bear cupcakes
My tradition for each kids dohl
His first bite of birthday cake.
More pics from the day on flickr.
The only picture of his real smile all evening.
Here are some pics that capture the day.
Pictures of the little guy over the past year.
The favors: I made bear chocolate lollipops with molds.
And this little bear was a clearance score at Michael's.
Goodie bags for the little ones
The centerpieces
Greeting his cousin with a "boh boh"
The birthday boy
We had to bribe him with food for pictures.
The 5 of us! Notice the random Snoopy in the decor. The restaurant set up the table for us, and I didn't notice til I saw the pictures that they put him in there. Oh well!
Peter's family
My family
He just sat still and looked for a couple of minutes not grabbing anything. He looked like he didn't know what to do.
He ended up picking the brush (like his brother).
But then "picked" my dad, just like T-Max too! And reached for the money after that, just like his sister. It looks like he'll learn a lot from them!
Zay Bear saying, "No Noona, you need to get your own cupcake!"
The bear cupcakes
My tradition for each kids dohl
His first bite of birthday cake.
More pics from the day on flickr.
The only picture of his real smile all evening.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
N's Princess Knight party
We had a blast celebrating our little girlie's 5th birthday! Everything was themed around princesses and knights.
As the fair maidens arrived, they were crowned princesses for the day with handmade tiaras from pipe cleaners. The little gentlemen arrived, and they were dubbed knights for the day with their pipe cleaner swords.
All the princesses and knights together!
They were told the tale of a princess who had been locked up at the top of a tower by the fire-breathing dragon. She was soon to marry her prince, when she was captured by the dragon and put away. In order to save her, the princess and knights needed to find the "King's Treasure" and pay a ransom to the dragon. So the King asked them to search high and low around the castle to find the golden nuggets (chocolate). Their task was to collect at least 25 gold pieces to free the princess. The knights and princesses succeeded at the task, and even collected more than 25 pieces!
Counting the king's gold
The presented the treasure to the dragon, but he did not release her until they were able to unlock the door. In order to open the lock, they would need to successfully land the "beanbag" into the tiaras. Each princess and knight had a turn, and they were able to "unlock" the door. The princess was free at last!
"Unlocking" the door
Once the princess was free, she was ready to marry her princes. But wait! She found that the dragon had turned her prince into a frog. In order to change him back into human form, she must "kiss" him with true love's kiss.
"Kissing" the frog
They turned the frog back into a prince and were married to live happily every after!
Next the princess and knights worked on a craft. The princesses decorated foam tiaras, while the knights decorated their shields.
Afterwards, they ate their royal meal, and sang to the princess of honor.
They yummily devoured their dessert.
and their ended their day at N's castle! We had a blast!
The Royal Family
See all the pics from the fun day here. Videos to come soon. The King is busy working on our littlest prince's 1 year video/slideshow!
As the fair maidens arrived, they were crowned princesses for the day with handmade tiaras from pipe cleaners. The little gentlemen arrived, and they were dubbed knights for the day with their pipe cleaner swords.
All the princesses and knights together!
They were told the tale of a princess who had been locked up at the top of a tower by the fire-breathing dragon. She was soon to marry her prince, when she was captured by the dragon and put away. In order to save her, the princess and knights needed to find the "King's Treasure" and pay a ransom to the dragon. So the King asked them to search high and low around the castle to find the golden nuggets (chocolate). Their task was to collect at least 25 gold pieces to free the princess. The knights and princesses succeeded at the task, and even collected more than 25 pieces!
Counting the king's gold
The presented the treasure to the dragon, but he did not release her until they were able to unlock the door. In order to open the lock, they would need to successfully land the "beanbag" into the tiaras. Each princess and knight had a turn, and they were able to "unlock" the door. The princess was free at last!
"Unlocking" the door
Once the princess was free, she was ready to marry her princes. But wait! She found that the dragon had turned her prince into a frog. In order to change him back into human form, she must "kiss" him with true love's kiss.
"Kissing" the frog
They turned the frog back into a prince and were married to live happily every after!
Next the princess and knights worked on a craft. The princesses decorated foam tiaras, while the knights decorated their shields.
Afterwards, they ate their royal meal, and sang to the princess of honor.
They yummily devoured their dessert.
and their ended their day at N's castle! We had a blast!
The Royal Family
See all the pics from the fun day here. Videos to come soon. The King is busy working on our littlest prince's 1 year video/slideshow!
Friday, July 02, 2010
Heaven and Theology
N and I were cuddling before bed tonight, and after we prayed, I could see in her eyes that she was thinking about something, and smiling. So I asked her what she was thinking about. Then we had the following conversation:
N: I want to go to heaven to be with Jesus and God one day.
Me: Why?
N: Because heaven seems like it will be beautiful place. And there is no crying and no hitting people and kicking people.
Me: Do you know how to get to heaven?
N: Umm...actually no.
We have talked in the past about what heaven is like as described in Revelation. And in contrast we have also talked about what hell is like as described in the Bible as well. I don't know what made her think of it tonight, but we had a deep conversation about believing in Jesus and His death on the cross. So we prayed a prayer that God would help her to believe and help her to know when she believes. My little girl is not so little anymore. Here is the prayer I had her pray:
Dear God,
Please help me to believe. Help me to believe that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Help me to believe that Jesus died on the cross for MY sins, which deserve death. Thank you that I am forgiven for all my sins. Help me to believe, Lord. And help me to know WHEN I believe. In Jesus name, Amen.
After that, I saw that she was contemplating something else.
N: Who made God?
Me: No one did. God just is. He was there in the beginning, and He will be there for all time. He doesn't have a beginning; He has always existed. He will not have an end; He will always exist.
N: That's a little confusing.
Amazing how a little almost-5-yr old is contemplating that existence of God. I hope that she continues to ask lots of questions. I love how her little brain thinks. Can't believe she is turning 5 on Sunday.
More pics to come from her Princess and Knight party today with all her little friends and cousins!
N: I want to go to heaven to be with Jesus and God one day.
Me: Why?
N: Because heaven seems like it will be beautiful place. And there is no crying and no hitting people and kicking people.
Me: Do you know how to get to heaven?
N: Umm...actually no.
We have talked in the past about what heaven is like as described in Revelation. And in contrast we have also talked about what hell is like as described in the Bible as well. I don't know what made her think of it tonight, but we had a deep conversation about believing in Jesus and His death on the cross. So we prayed a prayer that God would help her to believe and help her to know when she believes. My little girl is not so little anymore. Here is the prayer I had her pray:
Dear God,
Please help me to believe. Help me to believe that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Help me to believe that Jesus died on the cross for MY sins, which deserve death. Thank you that I am forgiven for all my sins. Help me to believe, Lord. And help me to know WHEN I believe. In Jesus name, Amen.
After that, I saw that she was contemplating something else.
N: Who made God?
Me: No one did. God just is. He was there in the beginning, and He will be there for all time. He doesn't have a beginning; He has always existed. He will not have an end; He will always exist.
N: That's a little confusing.
Amazing how a little almost-5-yr old is contemplating that existence of God. I hope that she continues to ask lots of questions. I love how her little brain thinks. Can't believe she is turning 5 on Sunday.
More pics to come from her Princess and Knight party today with all her little friends and cousins!
11 Months
Zay Bear is changing so fast...just want to get these down before he turns one in a few weeks! Eeeek! Can't believe that time has already come.
Just a few weeks ago, he started signing "please". Usually he's screaming for more food when it's not coming fast enough. Not wanting to reinforce the screaming, I started teaching him for "more" like I had done with my other two children. He had done it few times when prompted, but I knew that he really understood when I was holding a toy that he wanted, and he preceded to sign "please". Smart boy. Good at getting what he wants. He also started doing this grunting thing as he reaches for something and raises his eyebrows to show you that he wants something. And now when we say "all done", he usually takes off his bib or raises his hands to imitate the sign for "all done". Saying "uh oh" when he drops something is a new favorite thing also.
He loves to sing! Since a couple months back, he started saying "ahhhh" at the end of our dinner prayer song (A Korean prayer song that Peter sang growing up that has now become party of our daily traditions) when we sing "Amen". Now when we sing that song, or when I sing to him before bed, he "sings" along in his own little way. Sometimes when I hum to him, he will hum back.
Zay Bear has also discovered dancing to music. Just today, he was dancing (which consists of holding onto something and bouncing up and down enthusiastically) watching /listening to the Wiggles. So fun!
Just last weekend, he stood for several seconds by himself for the first time! He's a very good crawler, so I don't know what will motivate him to start walking. He doesn't seem so interested yet. But he will stand and loves it when we clap for him in delight!
More updates on his dohl when he turns one in a few weeks!
Just a few weeks ago, he started signing "please". Usually he's screaming for more food when it's not coming fast enough. Not wanting to reinforce the screaming, I started teaching him for "more" like I had done with my other two children. He had done it few times when prompted, but I knew that he really understood when I was holding a toy that he wanted, and he preceded to sign "please". Smart boy. Good at getting what he wants. He also started doing this grunting thing as he reaches for something and raises his eyebrows to show you that he wants something. And now when we say "all done", he usually takes off his bib or raises his hands to imitate the sign for "all done". Saying "uh oh" when he drops something is a new favorite thing also.
He loves to sing! Since a couple months back, he started saying "ahhhh" at the end of our dinner prayer song (A Korean prayer song that Peter sang growing up that has now become party of our daily traditions) when we sing "Amen". Now when we sing that song, or when I sing to him before bed, he "sings" along in his own little way. Sometimes when I hum to him, he will hum back.
Zay Bear has also discovered dancing to music. Just today, he was dancing (which consists of holding onto something and bouncing up and down enthusiastically) watching /listening to the Wiggles. So fun!
Just last weekend, he stood for several seconds by himself for the first time! He's a very good crawler, so I don't know what will motivate him to start walking. He doesn't seem so interested yet. But he will stand and loves it when we clap for him in delight!
More updates on his dohl when he turns one in a few weeks!
Monday, June 21, 2010
bedtime conversation
Don't want to forget this conversation I had with N just before bed tonight.
N: I wish I didn't have eyelashes (as she is rubbing them).
Me: But if you didn't have eyelashes, you would get all this mungee (dust in Korean), dirt, and other stuff in your eyes. You don't want that to happen.
N: You never told me that! Oh, that's why boys have eyelashes too!
(All this time, she has noticed that in book illustrations, cartoons, etc...usually it's only the girls that have eyelashes, and hardly ever the boys, but in real life girls AND boys have eyelashes. I think she had an epiphany tonight).
Me: I wonder why we have eyebrows, though.
N: Maybe it's...like for decoration or something!
As it turns out, I googled why we have eyebrows, and it's to protect our eyes from rain and sweat from dripping into them. Pretty cool!
N: I wish I didn't have eyelashes (as she is rubbing them).
Me: But if you didn't have eyelashes, you would get all this mungee (dust in Korean), dirt, and other stuff in your eyes. You don't want that to happen.
N: You never told me that! Oh, that's why boys have eyelashes too!
(All this time, she has noticed that in book illustrations, cartoons, etc...usually it's only the girls that have eyelashes, and hardly ever the boys, but in real life girls AND boys have eyelashes. I think she had an epiphany tonight).
Me: I wonder why we have eyebrows, though.
N: Maybe it's...like for decoration or something!
As it turns out, I googled why we have eyebrows, and it's to protect our eyes from rain and sweat from dripping into them. Pretty cool!
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Fast learner
Zay Bear is creeping closer to turning one (10 months right now), and I am trying to cherish every moment, every milestone, every smile. But he seems to be changing so quickly and learning so much! His latest delight are balls! He even says "ball" every time he sees one. He loves playing throw and catch. Just a bit ago, Peter taught him how to throw, and right away he started dropping the ball. In just a few days, he's started throwing it, and sometimes he will even say "doh" for "throw". We are amazed at what a quick learner he is. Like just tonight, the big kids were saying "nigh-night Zay Bear" over and over, just giggling at how cute he was staring and smiling at them. And after just smiling silently and watching his brother and sister, he softly spoke, "nigh-nigh" to them waving his hand.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
T-Max's prayer for Noona
Just want to get this down...
The other day, N's tummy was hurting (as it often does these days!), and we asked T-Max to pray for her and this was his prayer:
"Dear God, thank you make Noona tummy better. In Jesus name, Amen"
The other day, N's tummy was hurting (as it often does these days!), and we asked T-Max to pray for her and this was his prayer:
"Dear God, thank you make Noona tummy better. In Jesus name, Amen"
Monday, May 17, 2010
T-Max on Prunes
Our family likes to eat a couple of prunes each after dinner. Yes - all three kiddos like them too! T-Max, for some reason, cannot say "prunes". Peter was having him say, "p...p...p...prunes!", and this is what he said, "p...p...p...CROONS!" So now, after dinner, we just say, "Who wants to eat CROONS!"
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Happiest Mom
Had a great mother's day weekend! I am so happy to be a mother to these three little buggers! They bring me so much joy! I don't need gifts, so all I asked Peter for was a day that I didn't have to cook. So he got a quick breakfast ready before church, and after church he made some tasty grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, and then my mom had invited us over to her place for dinner. So I got my wish! And Peter made me a video/slideshow of me and the kids that brought me to tears within the first couple of seconds.
And as I get deeper into motherhood, I appreciate my mom more and more. My hope is to be even half as generous as she is with her time, love, serving, and giving to others.
More pics from the rest of the day here.
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