30 June 2011
25 June 2011
Settled in
We have finally settled into our place in Korea. We have been in this country for just over 2 weeks and have been in the apartment for just over 1 week. Life is getting into some what of a groove since we have all our stuff, but there are still a few wrinkles to iron out.
Jake hasn't really gone to work yet. He still does inprocessing stuff which is just a lot of paperwork to say we are here. And then he goes into work for small amounts of time here and there. Then they usually let him go to do other paperwork that WE need. Its going to be nice once he gets one a schedule and he has things to do.
James is just a BALL of energy. We cant seem to get him to wind down at all. He has all his toys, but the past 3 days have been constant rain, so he cant go outside and we cant go hunt for a playground. There are things for him to do on post for an hour each day, but we cant get there because Jake doesn't have a set schedule so he needs the car and even if I COULD take the car, I don't drive stick, so I couldn't take it. Sigh...
Sam, oh Sam. He still won't sleep as wonderful as he did back in AL. Its been a week of Benadryl and it doesn't really work anymore. I think he is teething, however, because he drools like a crazy man and is REALLY pissed. I think I see the tooth coming in, but I refuse to give him Tylenol all day JUST because I THINK he has a tooth. He just needs to suck it up and realize teething hurts. He still eats every 4 hours which is getting REAL annoying. But he is eating actual bananas and bread and baby snacks and teething biscuits and all that fun messy stuff.
Me... Im tired. I have no idea what to do with myself each day. James drives me bonkers half the time, Sam can't leave my side, and I feel like I am a horrible mom. I want to give them a schedule (wake up, eat, play, sleep, play, etc) but it seems like when I try, I lose control and can't deal with the madness. Pointers anyone? I just wish there was a switch I can throw into overdrive and be this amazing mom.
Anywho... life is good here. We are feeling more at "home" every day and its getting easier. The language will always be a problem, but the Koreans are so sweet and generous, I think we will get by just fine.
Oh ya, they LOVE the kids. Every where we go, the women want to hold Sam and talk to him. They think James is cute, but he just shys away. So they play with Sam and just LOVE him. Who knows why. :-)
Jake hasn't really gone to work yet. He still does inprocessing stuff which is just a lot of paperwork to say we are here. And then he goes into work for small amounts of time here and there. Then they usually let him go to do other paperwork that WE need. Its going to be nice once he gets one a schedule and he has things to do.
James is just a BALL of energy. We cant seem to get him to wind down at all. He has all his toys, but the past 3 days have been constant rain, so he cant go outside and we cant go hunt for a playground. There are things for him to do on post for an hour each day, but we cant get there because Jake doesn't have a set schedule so he needs the car and even if I COULD take the car, I don't drive stick, so I couldn't take it. Sigh...
Sam, oh Sam. He still won't sleep as wonderful as he did back in AL. Its been a week of Benadryl and it doesn't really work anymore. I think he is teething, however, because he drools like a crazy man and is REALLY pissed. I think I see the tooth coming in, but I refuse to give him Tylenol all day JUST because I THINK he has a tooth. He just needs to suck it up and realize teething hurts. He still eats every 4 hours which is getting REAL annoying. But he is eating actual bananas and bread and baby snacks and teething biscuits and all that fun messy stuff.
Me... Im tired. I have no idea what to do with myself each day. James drives me bonkers half the time, Sam can't leave my side, and I feel like I am a horrible mom. I want to give them a schedule (wake up, eat, play, sleep, play, etc) but it seems like when I try, I lose control and can't deal with the madness. Pointers anyone? I just wish there was a switch I can throw into overdrive and be this amazing mom.
Anywho... life is good here. We are feeling more at "home" every day and its getting easier. The language will always be a problem, but the Koreans are so sweet and generous, I think we will get by just fine.
Oh ya, they LOVE the kids. Every where we go, the women want to hold Sam and talk to him. They think James is cute, but he just shys away. So they play with Sam and just LOVE him. Who knows why. :-)
11 June 2011
First day of church in Korea
Well... we finally got to Sunday here and were able to go to church. We called a friend to give us a ride and show us where to go. It was SUPER nice of the Larson's to do that for us! The church was only about a mile from post. It wasn't the normal church building. It was not a chapel that you would have noticed from the streets if it didn't have the sign. It was 4 stories, granite exterior, foggy glass doors, and functional. The chapel was on the 3rd floor. It was a room big enough for the dozen families who attend. After, we went to the 2nd floor and went to the classrooms. Primary and nursery together probably had 20 kids. And I think the kids over 16 get to go to Gospel Essentials and RS/Priesthood. Either way, everything is just VERY different and is going to get some getting use to. Once church was done, we met a guy there who is FROM Korea and offered his assistance in translation if we needed it. And we also met a couple who is leaving and needs to sell their car. SO! And on top of that, we already knew 2 couples there (with a third guy coming soon). It was a pleasant experience and we are looking forward to being here the two years!
Before church, I was putting on my skirt. James looks at me from the floor and says "pretty mommy". Then as I did my hair, he said "nice hair". What a gentlemen!!! He was a cutie. Until we got to church and tore the Hymnbook. Oh well... what are you going to do, right??
Alrighty.. off to look at more places to live!
Before church, I was putting on my skirt. James looks at me from the floor and says "pretty mommy". Then as I did my hair, he said "nice hair". What a gentlemen!!! He was a cutie. Until we got to church and tore the Hymnbook. Oh well... what are you going to do, right??
Alrighty.. off to look at more places to live!
08 June 2011
Korea, finally.
I have to admit, I am relieved to finally be able to write this post. We have made it to Korea.
Let's start with how we got here...
We woke up around 330am on Tues to leave for the airport in SLC. When we arrived, there was a flight ahead of us and check in was taking longer than expected. Around 515am, they finally opened another line for our flight to check in at. After speeding thru there, we got into the security line (which Jake's mother and sister so awesomely waited and held a spot there). La de da, we got thru security (with a little frustration from James) and RAN to our gate. Got there, got on the flight, and flew to LAX.
Once at LAX, we had a SIX HOUR layover. We went straight to the USO (a military place for you to hang, sleep, eat, internet for free). We had to leave the airport for it, so we knew we had to give ourselves time to get back thru security. But the USO was ghetto fabulous. It was old but had EVERYTHING you needed to enjoy your layover. Diapers, food, showers, nap room, TV, movies, toys, internet, drinks, etc. We got a LITTLE sleep there and left for the airport again. Went thru security and got to the gate about 45 minutes early.
Once we got on the flight for Korea, we got situated and waited. An hour into the flight, James thru up. NOT enjoyable. Then an hour later, he did it again. Then about 4 hours later, did it again!!! We have NO idea what was wrong with him, but he did NOT feel good. Fortunately, he slept for about 6 or 7 of the 13 hours of flying. So that was good. Sam slept for a good chunk of time too. We watched movies and ate some decent food. The flight was the LONGEST we have EVER done and we REFUSE to fly home the next two years as to not deal with that again!!!
We got to Korea (after following the sun for the 13 hours) and got off the plane. The stewardesses helped by having TWO of them carry Sam and 1 carrying 2 of our carry on bags. They are the SWEETEST people!!!! We found our Sponsor (the guy from the post who meets you and helps out) and realized that we had WAY too many bags for his little 4 door car. So we had to wait TWO hours for a bus. During that time, our Sponsor took us and paid for our dinner (which we just got smoothies). On the bus, got to the hotel, checked in, and attempted to fall asleep.
Our first day at the hotel in Yongsan, was interesting. Jake had to go to inprocessing, so I was alone with the kids. James was DYING for some juice, so I had to drag them (in their pjs) and go down stairs. I found a Subway and got a sandwich and juice. Then Sam started the crying. Back to the hotel we went. Fed him, and went to start laundry. Yup, got everything in there that James puked on and the washer didnt work. Got ahold of maintenance, then they called the "engineer", and no one could fix it. So I took my WET clothes and went to the next floor and started it. THAT washer didnt spin. Had to put it in ANOTHER one and that finally worked. Put in the dryer and have clean clothes.
Our body clocks are BEYOND out of whack and the kids have NO idea what time of day it is. But all in all, we are ok. We are leaving Yongsan and heading to Camp Humphreys, where we will find housing and then Jake has to leave me for 7 days and go to Camp Stanley. Sigh... it never ends. BUT we have the next TWO years together on this adventure and we are going to soak it up!!!!
Let's start with how we got here...
We woke up around 330am on Tues to leave for the airport in SLC. When we arrived, there was a flight ahead of us and check in was taking longer than expected. Around 515am, they finally opened another line for our flight to check in at. After speeding thru there, we got into the security line (which Jake's mother and sister so awesomely waited and held a spot there). La de da, we got thru security (with a little frustration from James) and RAN to our gate. Got there, got on the flight, and flew to LAX.
Once at LAX, we had a SIX HOUR layover. We went straight to the USO (a military place for you to hang, sleep, eat, internet for free). We had to leave the airport for it, so we knew we had to give ourselves time to get back thru security. But the USO was ghetto fabulous. It was old but had EVERYTHING you needed to enjoy your layover. Diapers, food, showers, nap room, TV, movies, toys, internet, drinks, etc. We got a LITTLE sleep there and left for the airport again. Went thru security and got to the gate about 45 minutes early.
Once we got on the flight for Korea, we got situated and waited. An hour into the flight, James thru up. NOT enjoyable. Then an hour later, he did it again. Then about 4 hours later, did it again!!! We have NO idea what was wrong with him, but he did NOT feel good. Fortunately, he slept for about 6 or 7 of the 13 hours of flying. So that was good. Sam slept for a good chunk of time too. We watched movies and ate some decent food. The flight was the LONGEST we have EVER done and we REFUSE to fly home the next two years as to not deal with that again!!!
We got to Korea (after following the sun for the 13 hours) and got off the plane. The stewardesses helped by having TWO of them carry Sam and 1 carrying 2 of our carry on bags. They are the SWEETEST people!!!! We found our Sponsor (the guy from the post who meets you and helps out) and realized that we had WAY too many bags for his little 4 door car. So we had to wait TWO hours for a bus. During that time, our Sponsor took us and paid for our dinner (which we just got smoothies). On the bus, got to the hotel, checked in, and attempted to fall asleep.
Our first day at the hotel in Yongsan, was interesting. Jake had to go to inprocessing, so I was alone with the kids. James was DYING for some juice, so I had to drag them (in their pjs) and go down stairs. I found a Subway and got a sandwich and juice. Then Sam started the crying. Back to the hotel we went. Fed him, and went to start laundry. Yup, got everything in there that James puked on and the washer didnt work. Got ahold of maintenance, then they called the "engineer", and no one could fix it. So I took my WET clothes and went to the next floor and started it. THAT washer didnt spin. Had to put it in ANOTHER one and that finally worked. Put in the dryer and have clean clothes.
Our body clocks are BEYOND out of whack and the kids have NO idea what time of day it is. But all in all, we are ok. We are leaving Yongsan and heading to Camp Humphreys, where we will find housing and then Jake has to leave me for 7 days and go to Camp Stanley. Sigh... it never ends. BUT we have the next TWO years together on this adventure and we are going to soak it up!!!!
06 June 2011
And off we go...
Well, this is the last post in the United States from us for the next TWO YEARS! We are finishing the last details of packing and spending time with Jake's family. We have had a wonderful time with everyone and are going to miss the family and friends very much. Ill let you know when we get to Korea and are a little settled.
30 May 2011
Grand Tetons
Wow... I cant even begin to tell you all the things that we have been doing while in Utah. It has been a BLAST. After many family gatherings, home projects, money spending trips, and other things... we have taken a trip to the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. It is a beautiful place that the Fritz family has gone to many times before and now I am a part of that.
This is just one of the awesome views that you will find up there. Normally in May it doesnt have THIS much snow. But we were "lucky" enough to have snow and 34 degree weather the whole time we were there!!!!
This is Jake and I on the one of the bridges over the Snake River, we think. :)
And you have to have a beautiful family shot! This is just one.
We have had good memories while here and spent lots of time with family. We leave for Korea in ONE week and cant even think about how much we are going to miss it here in the States!!
This is just one of the awesome views that you will find up there. Normally in May it doesnt have THIS much snow. But we were "lucky" enough to have snow and 34 degree weather the whole time we were there!!!!
This is Jake and I on the one of the bridges over the Snake River, we think. :)
And you have to have a beautiful family shot! This is just one.
We have had good memories while here and spent lots of time with family. We leave for Korea in ONE week and cant even think about how much we are going to miss it here in the States!!
14 May 2011
Life away from Rucker.
Well.. it finally happened. We have LEFT Ft Rucker. It should be feeling AMAZING right about now, but since it was a long drive and its the summer time, I think we are just happy to not be doing much of anything. Let me fill you in on life...
The movers came and went with all our stuff. We have stuff on a ship to Korea, with the military to be flown over, in storage back in Ozark, AL and with us to be taken to our parents houses. We cleaned for 4 days (since we burned ourselves out each day, it took awhile). But we signed out of everything and are now "homeless". We stayed at the hotel on post the last night in AL.
We left Tues morning and drove. Thinking we would push ourselves, we planned to stay in Fort Smith, AR and arrive by 9p. Ya, that did not happen. We went thru northern AL and got detoured because of the tornado that hit a week prior. Then we got detoured again because of flooding in Memphis and Arkansas. Apparently when you live in AL, you dont hear about things that happen elsewhere. We had NO idea there was flooding. So, we got detoured AGAIN. It was bad the first two days. We didnt get to our hotel rooms til about 11p each night and the children got SO tired of being stuck in the car. But the last day of driving brought us to LV where we will spend the weekend.
Life is crazy. This time next month, we are in KOREA and living a new culture. Its going to be an interesting experience, but one we are looking forward to.
The movers came and went with all our stuff. We have stuff on a ship to Korea, with the military to be flown over, in storage back in Ozark, AL and with us to be taken to our parents houses. We cleaned for 4 days (since we burned ourselves out each day, it took awhile). But we signed out of everything and are now "homeless". We stayed at the hotel on post the last night in AL.
We left Tues morning and drove. Thinking we would push ourselves, we planned to stay in Fort Smith, AR and arrive by 9p. Ya, that did not happen. We went thru northern AL and got detoured because of the tornado that hit a week prior. Then we got detoured again because of flooding in Memphis and Arkansas. Apparently when you live in AL, you dont hear about things that happen elsewhere. We had NO idea there was flooding. So, we got detoured AGAIN. It was bad the first two days. We didnt get to our hotel rooms til about 11p each night and the children got SO tired of being stuck in the car. But the last day of driving brought us to LV where we will spend the weekend.
Life is crazy. This time next month, we are in KOREA and living a new culture. Its going to be an interesting experience, but one we are looking forward to.
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