Playing in the leaves!

Some cute pictures of Sophia's first experience jumping in leaves! Taken Tuesday, October 16th. Enjoy!

I want to grow up

Pre-dinner conversation between Jamie and Sophia

Sophia: I can't wait till I be older.

Jamie: Why, what do you want to do when you're older?

Sophia: Cut things with a knife and drive.


:)

More Pictures

Vacation Pictures

Back to "Real Life"

Returning from our Chicago vacation last Thursday evening was a bit sad for us, as the end of all vacations tend to be, but it was also wonderful to sleep in our own beds! We greatly enjoyed our trip and hope to return to Chicago to experience some of the things we didn't have time for.

We stayed in the subarb of Oak Park and lodged in a lovely old hotel, the Carlton Hotel. Our suite had a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchenette stocked with dishes and a pull-out sofa bed in the living room for Sophia to sleep on. We quickly named it her "vacation bed" which she liked very much.

We left for our trip Sunday after Sunday School and made a stop off in Michigan to see my brother-in-law, David, officially ordained into the pastoral ministry. It was wonderful to see Jeni and David and the many other family members who were in for the occasion.

From Michigan we drove into Chicago and stayed our first night with our friends, the Kasels. Unfortunetly Carrie and little Aiden were out of town, but Adam (one of Jamie's college roommates, he was also in our wedding) was a gracious host. Monday Adam gave us a tour of Trinity (an undergraduate college and seminary that Adam currently attends). We spent the rest of Monday getting settled into our hotel and just relaxing.

Tuesday we rode the eL into the city to see the Chicago Institute of Art and later that night met up with Adam again to ride the elevator 90-some floors up to the Hancock Observatory. It was at night and the view was really beautiful!

Wednesday we did the Shedd Aquarium, where Sophia aquired her favorite sovenier, her baby beluga whale! We did a lot of walking Wednesday and it was very cold! We ate dinner in the city at the famous pizza place, Giordanos. The pizza was indeed yummy! After dinner, even though it was cold and raining, we did a horse drawn carriage ride through the city, then ended our night at the Ghiradelli chocolate shop! Yum!

Thursday we drove past a few Frank Lloyd Wright homes by our hotel on our way out of Chicago.

Back to real life now! We're hoping to get some outdoor work done in the yard before the cold makes that impossible. If you're good at pruning trees and ripping out bushes, let us know!

Sophia has been a little sick yesterday and today, so our first day of preschool was postponed. Hopefully we'll be able to start Thursday.

Enjoy our vacation pictures!

Off to the Windy City

Jamie, Soph and I will be heading to Chicago tomorrow night. First, we'll be making a stop at my sister and brother-in-law's up in MI. David is having his official ordination service and we wanted to be a part of that before heading to our final destination. We have a lot of fun things planned for the week and can't wait to relax and have some fun! I'll post some pictures when we get home.

Last night, around 9 or 9:30 (yes, she should have been sound asleep, but since Daddy was still at work, she just wasn't. She has a hard time falling asleep without Daddy home) Sophia started running around the living room acting like she was flying. She said the "angels were taking her flying!" She proceeded to "fly" with the angels around the living room for about 5 or so minutes, till I had to put a stop to it due to the late hour. It was pretty funny and she was so excited about it.

Sophia and Jamie got married again today. Jamie's parents came down this afternoon and they got all dressed up in wedding gear and got married. She also made all of us "tap dance" with her after recieving some new black dress shoes from Grandma Susie and Papa. :) I told her I couldn't because I had bare feet. Well, she solved that easily enough! She ran into my room and promptly returned with my tennis shoes! And there you have it, Mom didn't have an excuse anymore! :)

Love to you all.

The Awnings are Off!

Here are some more pictures of our house, sans awnings!

Hard at Play and Hard at Work!

I just took these pictures this morning. Sophia was hard at play, climbing the Magnolia tree (at least we think it's a Magnolia) in our front yard, while Daddy was working hard removing the last of the awnings off of our house!

Recent Pictures

Hello everyone! Here are some pictures of our family recently. And as a bonus, a funny "Soph-ism" from tonight. As Sophia was getting in the tub she saw I was speaking to Jamie on the phone. She shouted out to her Daddy, "What you up to, Mister?" We have know idea where she learned such a phrase, but it sure made us laugh!

Sophia and Jamie "getting married." :)

What a lovely couple! :)

A group of students at our home last Sunday for a Potluck before Bible Study!

The front/side view of our house.

A New Focus

Hello faithful readers of old and new readers! I used to post quite regularly and got out of the habit this spring as our life took us in all sorts of directions. I have also gotten out of the habit of sending regular email updates on our family, so I've decided to combine the two and do it all here on my blog. Visit often to read updates on our family and see recent photos! My old blog was less news, more prose, focused on me and my life as a wife and mom, mostly. From now on I will include more news and the tone will be more family focused overall. Love to you all. Oh, please leave comments to stay connected even more!

Sun and Snow

Working for a University has its perks for sure! We get to enjoy a whole week off while the students are on Spring Break! The campus is quiet, and we get to eat our meals at home. I've had fun trying some new recipes.

The past few days have been beautiful, sun-filled, and warm! Leaving the house minus coats is the best feeling in the world after a long, cold, snowy winter! Unfortunetly... that only lasted two days and overnight it dropped 20 or so degrees and snowed... But, since we are on break we went out this morning and built ourselves a snowman! Sophia loved adding a carrot nose and stick arms, and even nibbling a bit of snow off our newly built man! :)

Whether you are enjoying sun or snow today, simply enjoy!

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see...

These lines were penned by John Newton and are the inspiration for the title of a movie worth seeing! "Amazing Grace," is the story of William Wilberforce. He was a Member of Parliment in Great Britain and worked to not only reform the "manners of society," but led the way for the abolishment of slavery in 1833. Jamie and I saw this movie on opening night this past weekend. The truth of Christ is played out unashamed and it is truly moving. Please, take the time to go and see this account of a very important time in our World's history. You will not forget it.

Interested in learning more? Here are some interesting links:
William Wilberforce http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilberforce
Official website for the movie, "Amazing Grace" http://amazinggracemovie.com/
Movie review for "Amazing Grace" http://pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003096.cfm

Be inspired. Act on that inspiration.

Heritage International

Steve (left, from S. Korea) and Bing (right, from Tawain) have recently left to return to their homes

After a few months of silence, then a few weeks of serious searching, God has finally begun to reveal bits and pieces of his plan for our future. We are very happy this plan includes us continuing on here in Ashland with our ministry to the International Students. Please pray with us as we seek to serve and minister to these special students! Here are a couple recent photographs from our Sunday evening gathering.

I've got a wocket in my pocket

This picture is back from November, but everytime I see it come up on my screen saver I think to myself, "Self, this picture is way too cute to keep to yourself. You really must find a reason to share it!" And so, here it is. It reminds me of a little girl you might find in a Dr. Suess book. Enjoy a giggle! :)

Christmas and New Year's Pictures

Christmas Eve 2006

Chef Sophia! (thank you A. Jeni & U. David)

Cookies Anyone? (thank you Grammie & Grampy)

Happy New Year 2007

Sophia loves helping sweep up!

Sophisms

"Thank you Baby Jack." - let me explain... over Christmas Jamie and I kept explaining that it was Baby Jesus' birthday, and since Sophia is in love with all babies, this really stuck in her head. Well, over break we visited dear friends, Matt and Amy, and their youngest is, to Sophia, known as, "Baby Jack!" Since the holidays we've also been really working with Sophia on participating in prayer before meals. Somewhere along the way the signals got crossed in her head and when she prays, if it's not to "Dear Baby Jesus," then it's to, "Dear Baby Jack! Thank you for this food." :)

"Run, speen Mama-Dada!" - Sophia is a very active two-year old, and one of her favorite activities throughout the day is to run and spin. We usually tire of this game long before she ever does!

"Dant Mama!" - Along with running and spinning, no day is complete without some dancing!

"You." - Over the last couple of months Jamie and I have solved a most hilarious puzzle. Sophia thinks her name is "You," and often refers to herself as such. Over the holidays this detail was definitely a joy spreader! "Sophia, YOU need to come here." "YOU need to stop that." "YOU are so cute." etc... :) Made sense once we thought about it. :) When pointing to a picture of Sophia and asking her, "Who is this?" She replies, "You!" :)

The Man of Our Dreams

There he is, dancing with her. He shows her how to hold his hand and to put her other hand around his shoulder. He sways, spins, and dips her, as her little two year-old heart erupts into giggles. "Will I really do this some day at her wedding?" he asks. Tears well up as I whisper, "Yes." Soon, I am invited to join them, "'Dant,' Mama!" We hold each other close as we sway and turn; three souls untied as one, chosen from the beginnings of time to do this dance of life together.

He takes my breath away... still. He will be her first love too. He will form her image of God our Father and will teach her the unconditional love of a man. Could she be so blessed to marry a man just like him? Why was I? Truly, he is the man of our dreams...

Hello Kitty Cake

I was logged into the computer this evening under Jamie's log-in, and I realized he had a picture of the cake I made for Sophia's birthday! I had wanted to put this on my blog awhile ago, so better late than never. This was my first attempt at a themed, shaped cake, and I think it turned out cute. I was up till 1am making it, and I kept thinking of all the stories my mom has told me about times she stayed up late creating masterpeices for Jeni and me! :) So, this picture, which really represents motherly love more than a birthday cake, is dedicated to all of the mommies out there who have ever toiled, cried, stayed up late, or wanted to pull out their hair (all while the sweet babe was soundly sleeping!) to sew, bake, or make that perfect "something" to say to their child, "I love you, - this - much!" :)

It's a party

A couple of weeks ago the International Department here on campus, hosted a Christmas party for all of the International students and some of the Americans who are involved in their lives. It was really fun and above are a few photos that our friend Rachel took of our family.

A Mommy's tears

Friday was a big day for Sophia! She said bye bye to her pacifiers with a helium balloon launch. As she gave one final suck on each paci, before letting go of the balloon strings and waving to her beloved friends, a part of her Mommy wept. "Why?" you may ask. These past few weeks have ushered in more changes than I could imagine in the life our little girl. She is quickly adapting to the potty (undies all day are just around the corner), she is able to use a normal cup quite well, she can open every doorknob, gets to brush her teeth with toddler toothpaste, not just water, and now her pacis are gone and in the same day so went her crib. And so I weep. I weep for the sweet baby who is now a little girl. I weep for the ability to comfort her tears with the offerance of a simple paci, where now I must teach her to be comforted with far less simple and visible things. I weep for the days of dependence, days where Mommy knew best and did best. I weep for the knowledge of what is to come. More and more growth will bring more and more changes, and with that I must relinquish more and more control over to the Lord. As I've recently discovered through a novel I was reading, we always note our children's firsts - but how often do we note their lasts? Last diaper, last suck of the paci, last night in a crib, etc... Those balloons did not just take away Sophia's pacifiers, they took away her babyhood. And so I weep...

But as with all tears and sorrow, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Ps. 30:5b And life rolls on and my heart's tears have indeed dried and I rejoice for the beauty of a lively, healthy child who embraces life the way our Lord intended!

Fi-Fi

Our sweet little friend, Josh, has recently figured out his version of Sophia for our little lady. Fi-Fi it is! How hilarious is that? His mom, Loree, told me about this Tuesday night, and on Wednesday during a play date I got to hear it for myself. I about fell over laughing. "Out of the mouths of babes..."

Hello, Kitty! I'm Two!

Saturday, November 25, 2006 was a day of celebration for Sophia! She turned two and enjoyed a pink, "Hello Kitty" party, complete with a Kitty cake (mommy's first attempt at a themed birthday cake), and even pink lemonade! Family from both sides were there to help celebrate and blessed us immeasurably with more gifts than we know what to do with.

After viewing the video from Sophia's 1st birthday, it was astounding to see the changes from just one year ago. In just one year, she has gone from practically bald, to a full head of hair; walking all stumbly, tumbly to running with grace (more or less! :)) and speed; getting more cake on her than in her to barely getting messy; from just learning to sign to being able to not only sign well, but even speak; and from needing a lot of help opening gifts to not only being able to open well, but realize there are more left and saying so! "More! More!" :)

We love you Sophia Ruth! (FYI if you ask her how old she is you are more likely to get "nine" than "two!" :) Working on it... )

Bible Study Friends

Bing and Sophia

Shadow and Sophia

Meet Shadow and Bing. Shadow is a seminary student and hosts a Chinese Bible study in her apartment. She comes faithfully to our Study as well, and has become a valued friend. Bing has come a few times to our Study and we have enjoyed getting to know him more each time. On November 19 Bing had his camera and captured some great shots after we met.

She's helping...

Yesterday, Jamie, Sophia and I went up to Akron to celebrate my 26th bday with family. After Sophia helped me blow out my candles, she disapeared into the kitchen with her two Grandmas. A few minutes passed and Jamie asked, "Where's Sophia?" In unision, her Grandmas both replied, "She's in here helping us!" Jamie walked into the kitchen to find Sophia helping alright! Helping herself to all the frosting she could get to!

International Fashion Wonder

The Show Stopper Herself!

November 16, 2006 is a date to put down in history. For the first time, Sophia Ruth was introduced to the International World of Fashion! :) Okay, so here's the real story... Every year the International Club sponsors a Fashion Show as a fundraiser. International and American students alike, participate in modeling different fashions for the audience. Along with three other children, Sophia was invited to be a model this year! She was in each of the four categories, casual wear, formal wear, bridal wear, and traditional wear. Students were more than happy to be paired up with her as they walked the runway. She was the hit of the show and really ate up the drama of it all! The last event was the traditional wear. Sophia was lent a Han-bok (traditional Korean dress). After all the students went on, they all returned to the stage for a final show and for announcements. Sophia was pretty antsie by this point, so I was just off stage motioning her to come to me. The student holding her hand saw me and gently pushed Sophia in my direction. Sophia started walking towards me, and at the last second changed her mind and went dashing down the runway again, all by herself! She stopped at the end and stood there posing as flashes went off like crazy from the audience! It was the show stopper for sure! :)

Sophia, Ga hyun, Ga eun, & Emily

Sophia and Dolly

My Buddy and Me

In October, Sophia, myself and my mom all spent a weekend up in Michigan with my sister, Jeni. We enjoyed our girl time, as even the dog was female! Sophia and Molly, Jeni's puppy, are always instant buddies when together, and this trip was no different! Molly's bed was especially inviting to Sophia, and Molly wasn't sure what to make of that. :)

In sickness and in health

Our family is finally recovering from a long 11 or so days of sickness! Thankfully I have a husband who takes his wedding vows seriously, and literally, and was my champion as Sophia and I battled fevers, aches and infections. One of my most treasured gifts from Jamie is this frame that has three seperate panes of glass in it, one behind the next. He created a 3-D looking shadow box, of sorts, with his vows to me, a couple pictures and a calla lily. He treasures his promises to me so much as to make a special place for them to be displayed. Upon receiving this gift, I was again reminded, what a treasure of a husband I have been blessed with. One of my favorite verses is from the Song of Solomon. What a magnificiant book to read with your spouse! It says, "His mouth is sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!" (5:16) You are my "daughters of Jerusalem," and I'm declaring to you that Jamie is my beloved, and he is my friend. If you are married, make sure your friend of friends knows of your love for him!