Christmas Eve In Korea

Being in Korea for the past two Christmases has certainly given Christmas a different feel. Last year, Andy's parents were visiting so it felt a little more "normal", but this year we found our selves sitting around waiting..... (for what I'm not sure). So after we got back from the Christmas Eve Service (see post below) we decided to take some pictures by the tree. That way you can see our tree and how pregnant I look these days! Next year I believe Christmas will feel more typical once again :) Andy and I posing on the couch. 35 Weeks and Counting! Andy has been saying for several weeks now that I look as though I am about to pop.

Our typical pregnancy photo, but this time with the tree as the backdrop.

Look at all those Christmas Cards and presents! Also, notice our stockings hanging from the ceiling. A few hours later they were stuffed with goodies and not able to be hanging as they were way too heavy!

We hope you and your family had a great holiday. We spent Christmas day eat, relaxing, and enjoying the gifts that we were blessed with!

Christmas Eve Service

On Christmas Eve we attended our chapel's Christmas Eve Service.

The Sunday before Christmas Andy was asked if the two of us would participate in the Chaplain's Christmas Story. Of course since we do not know how to say no, we were a part of it. Initially, he was suppose to be a Shepard and I was to be a prophet. However, when we arrived early to practice, Andy was asked to switch to a larger part because someone couldn't be there. He was drafted to be an Angel.....quite ironic if you ask me!?!?! He now likes to say that he was the voice of the Lord.

I had my hand bell debut in which I some how ended up with the most difficult harmony part despite the fact that I had never played them before. I found it to be quite easy though. Our Camp Carroll Hand Bell Choir

Some may ask when I started leading the children's choir. Well, you see, I was asked back in November if I would "help" with the children's choir. I said I would. Next thing I know I'm completely in charge of it! We only sang two song: Silent Night and Angels We Have Heard On High. The biggest problem was the lack of children. Secondly, the majority of the children are very small. Thank goodness for my friend Earlene's two older boys. I couldn't have done it without them!

Camp Carroll Children's Christmas Party

This huge event hosted by Camp Carroll included about 1,000 kids! There were crafts, food, inflatable play areas, and groups of children that performed. Of course, I got asked to HELP with the crafts. Little did I know that it was going to turn into me designing the crafts! Yikes! When I stopped by to see the lady I was "helping" on Tuesday, I was told that I needed to design the ornaments. She had an idea from which I came up with a practical way that kids could do this. We then went to get the supplies. The rest of the week was cutting out felt for the ornaments and cards. Thank goodness she did recruit some other help to cut out the thousands of small pieces! However, I think between Andy and myself we cut out over 1,000 pieces. This shows one of the groups of girls dancing!

In the background you can see the inflatable play areas. They were a definate hit. However, they had to be monitored because at one point a play area designed for 2 children at a time had about 50 kids on it. Needless to say they deflated it and then it had to be blown up again. After that adults monitored its use!

A group of Korean children performing Tae Kwon Do split boards among other things!

Helping the children make Christmas ornaments!

Andy posing with an elephant in a pink dress. The GUY inside the costume is from his unit. This was hard for Andy to imagine....a guy in a pink dress!

Santa Stopped By

This past week we received Christmas gifts from both of our families. Andy has imposed a rule for me....I am not allowed to touch the presents. Any of you that know me well (especially around Christmas time) know that I love to touch and try to determine the gift. Well apparently I am a little too good at it so I've been told that I'm not allowed to touch them. Having to ship Christmas gifts forces us to be ready for Christmas a little earlier than normal. Our tree is up, all gifts have been sent to our families, and we are eagerly awaiting Christmas morning! Did I mention this is my favorite time of the year?!?!Here is an updated picture of our little Korean Christmas Tree surrounded by gifts from the Ambrose's, Geesaman's, and each other!

Baby Shower!!!

Today some of the ladies at church had a baby shower for me. After church we all headed to a very good Korean resturant here in Waegwan. We had lunch and then they watched me open my gifts. I got some diapers, wipes, diper rash cream, clothes, blankets, clothes, a memory box for Caden with his name on it, a framed picture of the colored 4D ultra sound picture, and a handmade baby afghan. Then after that we had cake. After the shower we all headed back to the church for handbell practice. Of course I don't know how to say no so I am playing handbells for the first time ever. It should be interesting because I ended up with a more challenging part than some and I've only heard them played once!

This picture shows the memory box that was handmade for Caden by Mrs. Ray. In the box she had two blankets that she made for him with "Baby Geesaman" embroidered on them. So cute. Oh and you can also see how HUGE my belly is these days! It feels like its growing exponentially each day!