our scary halloween.

The scariest thing around is rebecca's horribly messy room. She isn't that concerned.
this may be even scarier. I found this picture on my computer. Not sure when this was taken.
Every year i say i am going to make halloween cookies, finally we did. We still haven't done the caramel apples or the chocolate suckers. Next year right? (these were decorated by lizzie)

this cookie that Leah decorated was my favorite.

he's still my little boy.

Remember that cute baby pirate? Here are his skallywag of a mom and dad. DAve coveted Ammon's outfit real bad. Ammon had a captain uniform and dave looks like the deck hand. ha ha. (you know how he really truly wants to be a pirate, poor tortured soul.)

by the way, this is at the branch trunk or treat/chili cook off/carnival.

love the poses. love these girls.

They had a haunted hospital and it was pretty good I must say. I wish I would have taken pictures all through out. Above we are waiting to go in and below as we walked out. Can you tell me what movie is playing on the tv in the background?

I love Justin's costume here. Justin and his two teenage sisters just moved to germany. Now my two girls are the only young women in the branch.

Lizzie being Lizzie.

Bless her heart, Leah really wanted to be a "pretty witch," she told me. With our rushing out the door and changing in the car in between soccer practice, and a football game, and leah being...well Leah, it is more like the misfit witch. She is so funny.

Maybe I can move onto november now. Nah, I still have more to catch up on.

catching up

While football is now over, and jacob just found out yesterday that he made the varsity basketball team (woo-hoo!), I still wanted to update the fam (grandpa's request) on the kids activities.

The kids really are so involved and thriving. I am so proud of them. I can't believe how much they all have grown in every sense of the word this year. My little garden has really blossomed. The Korean climate must be just what they needed, and with a little fertilization, weed pulling, and lots of sun, I think us two imperfect gardeners aren't doing too bad. Maybe we have green thumbs after all.

These pics are from one of the last football practices. Their homecoming game, and last game of the season was Oct. 29th.

I took these as I was sitting in the car waiting for them. Hence the railing. smile.
Everyone stopping for the 5:30pm playing of the national anthem. Love it.


there's jacob in the center, talkin it up, what he does best. I wonder where he got that?
Ammon worked the crowd too. All of the cheerleaders love him, he is such a flirt.

This is the only picture that I took of the game because I was video taping the whole time. I would put on a clip of the game if I weren't so lame with technology. WHY???Well, that and I am screaming so much it is embarrassing on the best clips.

You see, Jacob had quite the game. By the end of the season so many of their starters weren't able to play because of grades, as each starter didn't come they tried jacob in the position. Lo, and behold, he was great at everything they put him in. I drove one day to practice and they have him in a punting contest. He kicked farther than anyone and I hear one of the players say, "Ives can do everything!" I remind Jacob often where he gets his skills. smile.

Anyway, this last game he played so many different positions and only came out for one play of the game. He was pretty sore the next day, but wow what a game! They played him for the first time as a receiver and he made two touchdowns. Their team had never previously made more than one touchdown in a game. He had a fumble recovery, an interception, kicked almost every ball, and made a lot of the tackles. It started to be funny, even the announcer after a complete pass he made said, "Pass completed by, you guessed it Jacob Ives." We were dying laughing. You should have seen Dave's face. I have never seen him look so proud, and you have never heard me cheer so loud! ha ha. It was fun.

Now, don't be thinking that Jacob is going to play in college or anything. He is just in a small school. They never won a game, and Jacob really was upset by it because they work so hard every day practicing. I get it, but explained to him that it really is about playing and having fun (although he insists having fun=winning). Where else would he be able to play as much and have the opportunity to play so many different positions. There is no way that he could have just walked on the team where we were living in Arizona, with no prior experience and him a junior, and been given the time of day by any coach. What a cool thing that he can be taught and given a chance without all the politics as well, and totally devoting yourself to just one sport (which they often expect). He is so sad though because both volleyball and tennis are at the same time as football. The boys volleyball actually won for all of Korea. Tempting for next year but I think the football coach wouldn't be too happy.

Oh yes, and Rachel did great cheering too. Can you pick her out? ha ha. She is the only blonde. They got a lot of laughs in their half time dance because they copied some of the moves from a popular korean music video. Again, if I can figure the whole video thing out, I may just post it. But don't get your hopes up.

So what is jacob's pre- game routine for success. Lots of food, a long shower, and lovins from his favorite roommate and fan.

Saturday night the 30th was the homecoming dance, and jacob's first date. This is his beautiful date Kenzie, who is currently the only mormon girl that is dating age in his high school. Jacob is currently the only boy of dating age (16+). ha ha. Not that he can't date girls that aren't mormon, but it makes things more comfortable when you know that they have your same standards. Being really cute just sweetens the deal. smile.

so sweet. (from a mom's point of view)

they all went out to eat at an Italian restaurant off base, to the dance, and then to an all night 50's type diner after for breakfast. They had fun.

So there you have it. More to come.

Guess where I went today?

It's one of the most beautiful sights that I have seen in Korea.

I walked in and it felt like Christmas morning. My face was so radiant that my friend jane said that she had to take a picture of me. Is it wrong to feel so gloriously happy when entering costco? Do you think they will have it in heaven? Hotdogs, pizza and all? smile. I was very excited also because my costco card from the states works here too. It is like having the key to heaven. ha ha

In all seriousness, I was almost in tears the whole time (tears of joy). From the moment we got out of the car I could smell that familiar smell of costco pizza etc. cooking. I guess I didn't realize how much I miss those familiar sights and smells. So very comforting. Like going home. smile.

It really was the same (I think that means that the korean way is also comfortable and familiar to me as well). But seriously, so much of the same products were there, and for the same price. Except pure maple syrup. It was $40 dollars for a big bottle. But it's ok because I could just get that on base. It's the other fun stuff.
A bulgogi wrap for instance. ha ha. They had the chicken bake too. It kind of tastes like a philly cheese steak wrap. Delicious. But they had the same pizza, smoothies, ice-cream etc.
Here's ammon with his churro (and wearing the new pjs that I bought him there since he peed through his outfit).
Ammon is like a celebrity wherever he goes. Everyone stops to love on him, and he lets them. He is such a sweetheart.
I caught my friend jane enjoying a delicious sample. They had some yummy looking things besides the usual pumpkin pies and cheesecake.

Like these scrumptious cream filled delights.

These jackets are all the rage over here. They are really cute on. Are they in the U.S too?

I'm pretty sure these mini range/ovens aren't. ha ha.

I can't show you what I bought until I decorate for Christmas. I am so so excited. It is something I have been looking for for years. (is that ok to write for for? I guess I break every other rule, so it doesn't matter).

This was a good good day. I exercised and meditated, played solitaire on the i-pad, read my new every day food mag, got some church work done, navigated all over the place with just me and the gps (and felt totally comfortable doing it), made a scrumptious dinner using costco finds from today ( croissants, an amazing salad mix, and a sesame dressing that tastes better than beni hanas. yes! I have searched for that for a long time), and last but not least...had fun talking with the kids after scriptures and prayers. I don't know if I can top it tomorrow, but I will sure try. smile.

P.S. Nicole my hair is in desperate need of you (note picture above). Help!!! It really is healthy though because I use that amazing conditioner. I love using it because it's intoxicating smell reminds me of you every time I do. hugs.

P.P.S Every time I see pictures of myself lately, I hear the words of the dad in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" saying, "You're so......old." Seriously, I am really noticing big changes lately. I guess that is why people start freaking out and doing botox etc. I am definitely not opposed. smile.

Flower Market

Words cannot describe the joy I felt in my heart being at this place. I felt like I was in the garden of Eden, and I never wanted to leave.

I really wanted to share it all with you. I just wish you could smell it as well. Or maybe scratch and sniff pictures. ha ha. I think that last comment could be the makings of a good blond joke. (no offense to all my sisters. ha ha).

one of each please. Seriously, I wanted to buy the whole place.

be still my soul. I wanted to mix the purple ones with the greenery and add a big flowery white flower. alas, I never went back to get them. There was just too much and I was just too overwhelmed.

my constant companion. He is so much happier when we are out and about.

hydrangeas, one of my absolute favorites.

After going all through the cut flowers warehouse, we went over to the greenhouse. I walked in (and my camera lens fogged) and I almost started to cry I was so happy. These are probably my favorite type of flower. I have one right next to my bed. A purple one of course.

i wanted this one above. But where would I put it?

love love love.

Can I just tell you how much I love these women.The beautiful woman with the yellow scarf is Jihyun, that I am always talking about. She is our fearless leader, and the one that plans all of these outings and trips everywhere. She is absolutely amazing. She grew up in Korea, but went to college at BYU. She actually first met her American husband before she left for BYU while he was serving a mission in Korea. Her husband is our district president and teaches at the high school. They live right by us. Dave actually sent me a video of her talking to me before I moved here. She really wanted me to move right by her and wanted to show how her neighborhood was the best. I believed her, and knew from the video we would be wonderful friends. We made sure we moved close and I love her more each day. She is such a blessing to all who come in contact with her. You think, how does she have enough time to do all this for me? and then you find out that she does that much for everyone! She is amazing. She plans at least one fun outing a week. Plus every holiday she plans a trip somewhere and everyone is invited. We have a big one coming up over Thanksgiving down to Namhe in the south on the coast. Like 10 families are going, including my new neighbors. She makes all of the travel arrangements, and just lets us know what to pay her. Can you believe that? I think I have done more in Korea already, than most do their whole time here.

Now, I just need to start posting all of my adventures. It's hard to keep up.

Well, on with the pictures. smile.

I almost bought this too, but Ammon would have a little too much fun I think with all of the stuff in the pot.

What am I saying?? I almost bought everything. I showed great restraint. Until the end that is.

there were all of these miniature arrangements in these hand made pots that I was dying over.

I just couldn't get over the beauty of this one.

All the bulbs.

Ammon is so happy when he shops with his favorite buddies Ava and Jacob.

They were starting to put out the Christmas decorations. Did you know that about 40% of Koreans are Christian?

OK, this is where I lost it and started feeling anxiety, I was so overcome. So many amazing vases, bowls, platters, containers for displaying, I couldn't stand it. I will show you in another post what I bought, when it is properly displayed in my house. smile.

ribbons anyone? Wrapping paper galore as well.

then there was the pottery.

Hunger finally won over, and we needed to get back before school was out. We stopped at a rest area that was along the big highway. These places are amazing. Definitely not like the rest stops between Phoenix and LA. These are so cool, and have hot amazing food for cheap, and are so clean and cool.
You can order with a person at a central location or on a ticket machine that then prints out what number you are and where to pick it up. It is such a cool system. Like buying a train ticket.
This is how water is served. It is free and they always have in every restaurant these little silver metal cups.
This was my favorite korean meal so far. It reminded me of vietnamese pho. It is a type of soup bulgogi. Divine.

Are you hungry yet?

I am!

Ammon's little girlfriend Lanaya. They love each other. He never uses a pacifier, but he loves hers. On sunday in church I look at him and he has her pink pacifier in, and had given her his blue one, which he has never used before. What a nut!

There was a 7-11 inside too. I got a bunch of fun different Korean drinks to bring home for everyone to try. But really, I took this picture because I liked these two guys eating, and seeing the steam coming up from their bowls of ramen.

I just had to take this picture on the way home of this tiny little truck on the huge highway. It was going slower along the side.

I love Korea.

Off for another adventure tomorrow morning. We are going overnight with another family. Of course Jihyun arranged everything for us, even though she couldn't go.

I love Koreans.

smile.