Christmas 2006

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebration! We miss you all. God bless you in the New Year!

Gingerbread house - Christmas 2006

The making of Christmas card 2006

It's harder than it looks. Click on pic to see all our shots. You can see that our girls look tired by the end of the shoot.

Thanksgiving 06

Thanksgiving for us is always a time to get away! 2 years ago we visited Santa Barbara. It was beautiful and a great place to visit. I could have prepared for that trip a little better.

Last year we were not able to take our annual adventure to explore CA. We spent last year moving into our house. That was crazy!! We got the key at the last possible moment right before Thanksgiving (5 0r 6 pm the day before). We spent Thanksgiving at a local restaurant and went back to packing/unpacking into our new house.

OK, now to Thanksgiving 06... we went to the mountains. Big Bear is the equivalent of the Poconos out east. I haven't gone skiing yet, so I can't actually compare how the slopes are but the level of difficulty seems about the same. I was googling for things to do up there and found that there was a tubing place that was open and had man-made snow out already. OK, get ready... I had to pay $20/person to go tubing! Can you believe that?? I never ever remember having to pay to go tubing. If you're from Canada, you know you would never pay that amount to go tubing. But, I guess that's what Californians think if they ever go to NJ/NY to go to the beach and you have to pay for beach tags. We got our moneys worth. We arrived early around 9:30 and we tubed until 1:30. They closed at 4 pm and people were still coming (and I am assuming that they were still paying the $20!!).

We had a light lunch early but we started getting hungry at 3:00. We had reservations at 5:30 but dropped in early at the restaurant to see if they would seat us. Our girls had a wonderful turkey dinner. I broke tradition and had a wonderful cowboy cut (16 oz) prime rib. We drove back early... the girls fell asleep and when we got home (7 pm) they went straight to bed. OK, this is a family tradition that I could get used to! Su Jin and I had a relaxing evening to ourselves where we just sat and watched TV together (did you catch Survivor?!).

Where will we go next year? Joshua Tree National park, San Diego, Baja Mexico, Catalina... the possibilities are endless. Just say no to turkey! Start a new family Thanksgiving tradition!

Click on pic below to view our Thanksgiving album.

Thanksgiving 2006

Through a father's eyes

We had some ladies over this past weekend. I was the designated babysitter. It's always neat seeing our kids play together. We have a handful of kids around PB and CJ's age. They're all good friends. The parents always joke about them someday potentially (*note emphasis upon potential) marrying one another. That has always been the case for me. Who knows even if they will be friends when they get older and go away to college.

But, this blog is about being a father of daughters. The special relationship that a father has with his daughter is something special. I always get the question if Su Jin and I will have more children. That question is usually followed up with the question if I wish I could have a son. Obviously I don't know what it is to have a son but I'm pretty sure it would be pretty different. I think I would be a buddy/mentor with a son. But as a father of daughters it is so different. I am a father, role model, protector, teacher, leader, parent. I am sure that if some stranger came across this site and read this they may perceive me to be sexist. I am not saying that my daughters are weak or "needy". My daughters are just my daughters. You are (excuse me for my directness) nothing in comparison to me, as their father. I am DAD and you are NOT! So remember that when you enter into a relationship with my daughters. Hahahaha!!

So, I saw PB and CJ playing with our friend Jonathan. And the thought crossed my mind - someday they will find someone. Who could it be? How will I be able to make sure that he's a genuine guy? Will I be able to lead them to choose good men? And, then I settle myself down and pray for a couple more years to prepare for that day. I think it's just around the corner (our girls already share about boys and girls calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend by 1st grade - scary!).

The other day CJ came home saying that a boy asked her for her name. After she told him, he puckered his lips at her. She shared in a shy way but also in a way that she liked the attention. I told her to tell boys who do that to call them stupid or to smack them (literally). Su Jin doesn't like my counsel b/c she thinks that I will get them into trouble. I don't care if our girls get in trouble for that. The boys (and their parents) should be getting in trouble for putting girls (especially my girls) in awkward positions!

So, to answer the question -- No, we are not planning to have any more children.

To answer the 2nd question -- Sure, I would like to have a son but I would be more eager to have more girls!

Off to school!!

Some of you know how it feels to send off your child to school, but it's a whole different story sending your wife to school. She started her first day at work/school today. We are both still in a state of shock (maybe even denial) that she got the job.

It should be ok, even though we are into the 3rd week of school. The classroom is already decorated. This week she is only shadowing the teacher and assisting. It won't be until next week that she will have to run the classroom by herself. She will have to organize parent-teacher meetings soon.

We had our last "free" day together yesterday. It was my day off yesterday and the girls were in school. Su Jin decided to go to B & N to read up and get some resources. I thought it would be nice to grab lunch out together. So after taking care of some house chores, I met up with her at a local food court.

It was nice to sit and chat. She had to go in to sign the "official" contract. When we sat down to eat she said that she didn't have an appetite. She was still nervous that she had gotten the job and that she was in shock that she would be starting tomorrow. She was also in a state of shock that she would be getting paid for it. Ha ha... I cherished yesterday. All my girls are growing up. They're all off to school. So, I'll be home alone on Mondays!

Please keep Su Jin in your prayers as she back to being a career woman!

Feeling blah - blogskins that is

That's why I've been changing them. Trying to find the right feel.

I guess this is good for now.

As for the previous post about Su Jin's job. SHE GOT IT!! Thanks for your prayers. She will be starting next week.

Time to take my teacher out to dinner!

Please pray...

Some of you may know that Su Jin has been preparing herself to teach. Over this past year she has taken 6 credentialing exams. She finished her last set in July. We both were worried that her scores would not be available in time for her to start applying for openings. She received them some time in Aug. She has been diligently submitting those applications throughout local school districts. It has been tough to wait upon the Lord, especially as schools began to start. We got even more concerned after many schools started their first day. A question on Su Jin's mind has been, "why aren't they calling me for an interview?".

Su Jin has gotten some temporary substitute positions over the past week. But, yesterday while on one of her jobs she received a call from Su Jin's former school district. There is an opening in the Cypress school district for a 3rd grade teacher. It's something that she has been praying for.

It looks like it will be a tough interview. She will be going in tomorrow to teach a math word problem to a class and before a board of interviewers. She will also fielding questions from this panel after the class presentation. There are other interviewees as well. Please pray that she is confident before the interview panel. She has been nervous ever since she got the call. She has gotten a great endorsement from the principal that she worked for last year. Su Jin has also gotten a lot of support and advise from the teachers at the same school. All she needs now is prayer. We are thankful in seeing God's providence to provide this opportunity.

Thanks for all your prayers!

It's a small world...

OK, now it's really a small world. Guess who came by for a visit?!...not only to visit but to live here just a few towns away. The picture is of my friend's daughter.

Hints:

1) He is originally from NY.
2) He served at KUC (my home church)
3) He most recently served at a church in San Fransisco.

Any guesses?

Back to school

Don't you just love this time of year? Phoebe and Chloe are back to school. It was exciting! So many parents had their cameras. The parking lot was full.

Chloe is in kindergarten now. Phoebe is so independant. They don't need Daddy anymore. This is a big transition for me. Last year, Phoebe was having lunch at school so it was just Su Jin, Chloe, and I (sounds too proper). Now, I'm free to meet up with church members more. I guess that's a blessing but I'd rather be home with my girls.

On a different front... our family has finally stepped into the 21st century and got connected to a cable modem. Ha ha... for our entire marriate we've always used dial-up (aol, mindspring, juno...). Our last dial up service was with juno and the connection was ancient. It reminded me of the days when aol first came onto the scene. You might see us on line more.



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing

Family Vacation 2006

OK, we're back home! We logged over 2600 miles on our mini-van.

Mon. July 24th 8 AM Left home. I drove over 600 miles and made it to Yreka, CA.
Tues. July 25th: Yreka, CA to Seattle, WA
Wed. July 26th: Seattle Aquarium, Pikes Place (fishmarket), and saw THE STARBUCKS (original).














Thurs. July 27th: Space Needle and Children's Museum














Fri. July 28th: Local Park
Sat. July 29th: Woodland Park Zoo














Sun. July 30th: Worship at Seattle Grace and departing Seattle. Travel down the coast of Oregon to Newport, OR.
Mon. July 31st: Alturas, CA. There is absolutely nothing out here!
Tues. Aug 1st: Topaz Lake, NV. We drove past Lake Tahoe and it was beautiful. I'll have to take the family some day.
Wed. Aug 2nd: Yosemite National Park, CA. After a full day of site seeing we drive on to Fresno to rest.














Thurs. Aug 3rd: On our ride home we find an outlet shopping center. Of course, we stop. We get some things for the coming fall. We got some good deals on sneakers, shirts, and luggage! We finally make it home after dinner time.
Fri. Aug 4th rest, clean up, laundry, mow our lawn...
Sun. Aug 6th I took the day off to go visit Sarang. It's C-R-A-Z-Y!! There are shuttle buses from satellite parking lots and there are at least 30-40 people in a couple of lines. It took us 15 mins just to get into the main campus. It was a good worship. I know some pastors there but never thought I would bump into them but I did. Not only that but there was a visiting pastor and his family and also another alumni that just started there.

Now, back to work!

Memorial Day

We had a fun Memorial Day with our church. Great food, hanging out with church members, playing volleyball (and being reminded that I am not 18 anymore) -- what more could you ask for.

I've realized that I don't post many pics of Su Jin. Here's a picture from one of our friends at the picnic with their son.

Classic Su Jin... always a ham

Would you say that there's a resemblance?

How much she's grown...

Before age 1

















This is right around age 2. Some people thought she looked like "Boo" from Monster's Inc.

















This is at age 3.












Age 4





Thank you Lord for watching over her. I pray that you may grant me your Grace to raise her for your glory!

Chloe turns 5

Chloe turned 5 on Monday.

She's a hoot. From the 1st day of May she's been asking when it was going to be her birthday. Suj's mom and sister sent some new clothes for her. That's a big treat for Chloe b/c she gets a lot of hand-me-downs (not that she minds all that much). But, this was especially special b/c it really made her feel girly and grown up. It was just a flowery skirt and top but it was a little "sophisticated". She even had a set of faux pearl necklace and bracelet. She insisted that she wear this to school on her birthday.

That's our little girl. All grown up... what am I going to do? Thanks to everyone for making it a wonderful day.

King of the Jungle

I'm usually against big productions for church but I think I am changing my mind on this issue. It was a lot of time and dedication on the directors and even parents but I think it was encouraging to see everyone working together.















Look at the set! The parents put alot of work into this.















Here's a pic of Phoebe after the performance. I didn't know that she could dance like that.

Happy Birthday to my niece, Audrey!

Happy birthday you little munchkin! I'm sorry we couldn't be with you on your 1st birthday.

I pray that you grow strong and healthy. I pray for your parents that they have the strength and endurance to provide and protect you. I pray that this Sunday you would see the beauty of the resurrected Christ and that you would come to know him and trust him as your own savior.

God bless! We love you and miss you!!

edit: A pic from the birthday party. How much you've grown.

Swim Class

So, our girls have started swim class. As anticipated, Phoebe has been apprehensive but generally enthusiastic to make a decent effort. Chloe on the other hand is probably the bravest one in her class.

This past monday after class Chloe tells me as we're setting the table for dinner, "Dad, guess what?" "I pee-ed in the pool" My response, "what?!" While giggling Chloe says, "I pee-ed in the pool."

Becareful of litle children in the pool.

Looth Tooth

Here's an update on Phoebe's teeth. So far, she has lost 4 teeth - 2 lower and 2 upper. As you can see from the picture her two front teeth are missing now. It's taking some time but we're hoping that they'll come in soon.

Did you know that some kids get a whole dollar from the tooth fairy now? We've resigned to give her a quarter for each tooth.

On a different note, I think I like this Hello-Picasa program. I think I'll be updating our family blog more often.

Visit back often and leave comments! 

Reminiscing

Doing a little reminiscing about the past and our entry into southern california life. I came across these first pictures in our first apt. here. Phoebe and Chloe are so small here.

I also wanted to check out Picassa and their blogger interface - Hello program. If it's decent I'll be using this more to upload pics on to the blogger site. You all might want to check out picassa just b/c it may help us sending picture files to each other.

bye for now...

Catching up...

I know that I haven't posted in a while

Here's Phoebe's first piano recital back in January -

First the left hand...

Video Sharing at DropShots.com

Next, the right hand...


Video Sharing at DropShots.com

We also made the big move on Thanksgiving and the day after! Here are some pics of our home.

The guest-craft-study room is in the front.

Phoebe's room is the 2nd, then Chloe's, and then ours at the end.

These pictures are right before our closing. The flowers and lawn has died since then. We'll be working on those soon.

Hope you plan a visit with us soon!

San Diego Zoo Trip - Feb 13, 2006

Our family took a trip this past Monday.

It was a school holiday so Su Jin and Phoebe were off. We pulled Chloe out from school and headed down to San Diego. It was a perfect day! It wasn’t hot but plenty of sun. There wasn’t that many people either.

Highlights of our trip:

Getting online tickets on sale that included passes for the bus tour and the air tram (gondola).

Seeing the baby panda – Su Lin

Seeing the giraffe pee (even worse was seeing another giraffe take a taste!)

Spending time as family!!