We decided to head back to Everland yesterday. That place is so much fun. It was even LESS crowded then our first trip!
I have found the new greatest thing - renting their strollers! For about $2 you can rent a stroller, they clean it for you, and it comes with a bike lock. You can lock your bags and stroller to poles and chains all over the park when you go on a ride. Not that you really need to - this place is NOT America. People just respect other's things. Wild concept, I know.
We decided to go on the Roaring Rapid ride with the boys. Keith had my wallet that I wanted to lock up, but he said he'll hold on to it. No really, just let me lock it up. No really, hurry up, I have it. Don't lose it. I won't. Gotcha.
We take Cole and Brad and have a blast. As we're walking down the exit, I asked Keith for my wallet. What wallet? I don't have it. Are you sure?
YES! He left my wallet with LOTS of cash and all my photo id's on the ride... that just took off... waiting to fall in the water!
For seven minutes I was in a complete panic suppressing the urge to vomit and strangle my husband.
The Rapid float came back around and the friendly Everland employee return my wallet to me. Oh my word. How that happened, I'll never know. Lesson learned. I'll carry my own wallet.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
More school thoughts...
He's in a class with his best friend here. I like him and his family!
He has a male teacher with a doctorate. I think it would be a good experience for Cole. Everyone is saying he's the greatest teacher.
I still hate the bus idea.
He's past kindergarten letter recognition and sounds, so I'm afraid he'll just be a cut up and disruptive to the class.
They are saying they are pretty flexible with attendance. We just got Everland passes so I plan on going.... often. We also want to do family trips. Keith's schedule is on 3 off 3, so he could work weekends and miss Cole all week and weekend. (1pm to 1am)
UGH!
There's a parent/teacher/child meetings all day on Tuesday. I think I might go and ask questions. Maybe talking with the teacher, he can help us weigh on this decision. School starts on Sept. 8th. As of now, we've been doing 1st grade work for 2 weeks already......
He has a male teacher with a doctorate. I think it would be a good experience for Cole. Everyone is saying he's the greatest teacher.
I still hate the bus idea.
He's past kindergarten letter recognition and sounds, so I'm afraid he'll just be a cut up and disruptive to the class.
They are saying they are pretty flexible with attendance. We just got Everland passes so I plan on going.... often. We also want to do family trips. Keith's schedule is on 3 off 3, so he could work weekends and miss Cole all week and weekend. (1pm to 1am)
UGH!
There's a parent/teacher/child meetings all day on Tuesday. I think I might go and ask questions. Maybe talking with the teacher, he can help us weigh on this decision. School starts on Sept. 8th. As of now, we've been doing 1st grade work for 2 weeks already......
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
They Called!
Gulp, I got the call today. There's a school slot open for Cole. He's enrolled for school (they are going off the papers Keith filled out to get him the waiting list) What do I do? What do I do?
I thought this was decided, but now I'm second guessing. I hate making decisions. I think I am a horrible decision maker. It all stems back to August of 1999 and a man named Doyle (if you know what I mean.) Now I always second guess myself. I can't make a big decision to save my life. I'll question and question over and over. The same pros and the same cons.......
I am a great follower. Just tell me and I'll do it. I don't want to be the one in charge. I so wanted to hear that I didn't have a choice. I even chickened out on the phone asking for a number I could call them back - like I was too busy to talk. Cluck, cluck.
Yesterday I followed some girls to a place called Happy Quilt. Happy Quilt is a fabric store. Some might go as far as calling it a shed. It has more patterned cotton then I've ever seen in my life. There was so much "stuff". My mother would have been in heaven. I was going to bring the camera, but lets just say that mine is temporarily out of order. Quite possibly for longer then a couple of years. There was a couple of things I fell in love with, but I didn't bring any won. (Won is the currency here - you probably knew that, but it looks funny so close to the word any)
Today I woke up, cleaned the house, separated lego men (more on that another time), made lunch, cleaned the bathroom, got ready, went to the commissary, got cash, walked down the street to exchange it for won, and set off to Happy Quilt on my own! Big Girl in a foreign country! As we drove up, I read the small English sign - open Wendsday and Saturday ONLY! Bummer. Cole said "That's ok Mommy, we can just come back Saturday.... after my game" Thanks baby!
He has a soccer game on Saturday, and we've only had one practice. He's got red jersey #3. Four boys and Six girls (who are taller and faster then all the boys put together!) make up the un-named red team. I hope Keith is up for taking pictures on his fancy camera. Dang you Cannon Powershot and your non-water loving ways!
I thought this was decided, but now I'm second guessing. I hate making decisions. I think I am a horrible decision maker. It all stems back to August of 1999 and a man named Doyle (if you know what I mean.) Now I always second guess myself. I can't make a big decision to save my life. I'll question and question over and over. The same pros and the same cons.......
I am a great follower. Just tell me and I'll do it. I don't want to be the one in charge. I so wanted to hear that I didn't have a choice. I even chickened out on the phone asking for a number I could call them back - like I was too busy to talk. Cluck, cluck.
Yesterday I followed some girls to a place called Happy Quilt. Happy Quilt is a fabric store. Some might go as far as calling it a shed. It has more patterned cotton then I've ever seen in my life. There was so much "stuff". My mother would have been in heaven. I was going to bring the camera, but lets just say that mine is temporarily out of order. Quite possibly for longer then a couple of years. There was a couple of things I fell in love with, but I didn't bring any won. (Won is the currency here - you probably knew that, but it looks funny so close to the word any)
Today I woke up, cleaned the house, separated lego men (more on that another time), made lunch, cleaned the bathroom, got ready, went to the commissary, got cash, walked down the street to exchange it for won, and set off to Happy Quilt on my own! Big Girl in a foreign country! As we drove up, I read the small English sign - open Wendsday and Saturday ONLY! Bummer. Cole said "That's ok Mommy, we can just come back Saturday.... after my game" Thanks baby!
He has a soccer game on Saturday, and we've only had one practice. He's got red jersey #3. Four boys and Six girls (who are taller and faster then all the boys put together!) make up the un-named red team. I hope Keith is up for taking pictures on his fancy camera. Dang you Cannon Powershot and your non-water loving ways!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Funny Kid
Cole came up with a new phrase that still has me laughing and a little sick to my stomach.
"Ketchup is Hot Dog Syrup"
I love the way his mind thinks, but hot dogs? Vomit son.
"Ketchup is Hot Dog Syrup"
I love the way his mind thinks, but hot dogs? Vomit son.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Home School Week 1
Last week we started school in building 104 room 302. The first few days Cole and I worked during Brad's nap. We adjusted our time and Brad joined the fun on Thursday and Friday. I'm still testing the waters to see where Cole is at academically. The workbook we're following has been mostly math and number reading/writing. We've done puzzles and other "shelf work" together, colored, and flash cards. We've started our Handwriting book and soon will start our reading.
Working with Brad has been a challenge for me. It's a little frustrating seeing how much he doesn't know. I realize it's early and he's young, so all that should change. But Brad has other ideas when it comes to following directions. Heaven help us.
We should be getting a call soon to let us know whether or not Cole has a school slot available. I'm nervous about that call. We're set on homeschooling, but it would be easier to hear there isn't a slot for him. I think I am just doubting if I can sustain this for an entire year. I'm worried I won't have him ready for 1st grade and am doing him a disservice. Is he missing out on an opportunity to go to school or would he be missing an opportunity to try homeschooling? Is he missing out on more time with friends or would he be missing out on traveling and spending time with his Dad?
I can do this! I will do this! And whatever I miss, he can quickly catch up right? RIGHT? Whew.
Overall, I think I really like it. The best part is.... after only a week of working, Cole has become MUCH more affectionate towards me. He wants to cuddle and hug. This is great. If it weren't for the whole learning issue, I would home school forever ;-)
Working with Brad has been a challenge for me. It's a little frustrating seeing how much he doesn't know. I realize it's early and he's young, so all that should change. But Brad has other ideas when it comes to following directions. Heaven help us.
We should be getting a call soon to let us know whether or not Cole has a school slot available. I'm nervous about that call. We're set on homeschooling, but it would be easier to hear there isn't a slot for him. I think I am just doubting if I can sustain this for an entire year. I'm worried I won't have him ready for 1st grade and am doing him a disservice. Is he missing out on an opportunity to go to school or would he be missing an opportunity to try homeschooling? Is he missing out on more time with friends or would he be missing out on traveling and spending time with his Dad?
I can do this! I will do this! And whatever I miss, he can quickly catch up right? RIGHT? Whew.
Overall, I think I really like it. The best part is.... after only a week of working, Cole has become MUCH more affectionate towards me. He wants to cuddle and hug. This is great. If it weren't for the whole learning issue, I would home school forever ;-)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
No Mo Hoolala
There's a new chicken place that opened in our apartment complex. Hoolala Chicken. Who can mess up chicken? As we were discussing dinner plans, Cole was begging me "I want to eat at home, I don't want to go out" HA! Every time I put a plate in front of him at home he cries "I HATE this, I don't like it" (with the exceptions of red chicken, fruit, or pizza) I guess the Korean dinner last week really traumatized him. Don't worry little man, me too! We walked around the corner to the little chicken joint. I'm so happy all the menus come with pictures. The waiter tried his hardest to explain the chicken in English, but the closest thing I understood was something like "teriyaki". And the picture looked appetizing enough. So we picked that. We sat there waiting for the food and Keith made the comment that he would have liked to try the hot chicken. Maybe next time we said.
Everything here is served family style. One big plate and everyone shares. They bring us pickles (for some reason pickles are served with everything - even the pizza joint will give you a side of pickles), another corn dish that Brad liked, and some kind of fermented white cubes. Brad is our "Mikey." He ate it, but wasn't going back for seconds. For the record, I just don't throw things at my preschooler. I force my husband to eat it too... in case it's poisonous. I'm not sure of my line of thinking there, but maybe Keith will be able to explain why he's puking his guts out later in the evening so I have a better idea on how to take care of Brad. Thanks honey, because there was NO WAY I was going to try it.
Soon the chicken arrives. Interesting. I am really doubting this is chicken. It's too tiny. It appeared to be the size of a squirrel. There were wings that looked like Merlin legs chopped up and coated in seasonings. I've seen more meat on crab legs if you know what I mean! Speaking of the seasonings. Keith got his wish. It was FIRE hot. Apparently "teriyaki" means very spicy! Upon closer inspection of the menu, we picked the only picture with a red circle next to it. Leave it to the Americans to set their stomachs ablaze. Overall it wasn't too bad - as long as I convinced myself it was truly chicken. Keith says he's seen the size of chickens around here and they are tiny. I think he was just trying to be nice. I'm happy to say I ate it, AND we got the hot kind so we don't have to go back anytime soon.
Shortly after I got here, I decided I needed a new purse. I brought my small COACH bag, and it wasn't going to cut it for what I needed. We went to the PUMA store and I got a large bag to carry my venturing-in-a-foreign-country arsenal of supplies.
For some reason... (maybe this has to do with him being related to me), Cole became obsessed with wanting a bag too. Except he wanted a purse. Every store we would go in, my son was looking at the purses and crying for one. Keith immediately needed to put a stop to this. We went into a luggage and embroidery shop and found little backpacks. They got to pick the color, and what design they wanted on it. You can imagine, it involved fighting, crying, and switching the order 15 times before all was said and done. The worst part was leaving without the backpacks. They would be ready in 5 days. Let me just say, it was a MISERABLE 5 days. Cole asked, on average, 349 times a day if his backpack was ready and when we can go pick it up. This morning the day arrived. He was up at 7:01am and the first words out of his mouth were asking if the store was open.
We picked up the backpacks and my little men are so excited. Except now he wants to go camping and hiking with his new purchase. Forget that! I should have bought him a purse. Purses don't camp ;-)
I guess I should get use to all the roughhousing the boys keep doing. The other day Brad headbutted Cole right in the face. He even has a shiner to show for it. It hasn't slowed either of them down. I seriously sound like a crazy lady telling them to stop it. I repeat myself so often even I get sick of my voice. Is it wrong to secretly hope for a small blood inducing injury? Wait a sec.. we had one of those in Texas, so that's not gonna work. What will it take? I fear for them smashing through the glass windows here. I really don't know how we haven't been kicked out of the apartments yet.
Our neighbor above us is doing a little remodeling. The jackhammer has been on for two days straight. Today I found this outside our elevator - bags, lots and lots of bags full of concrete. Should I be worried they will come through the ceiling soon? That's alot of floor!
Oh, I should also introduce you to our newest pet. Meet Fuzz Ball Wuzzy, and yes, the boys named it.
He (or she) is a Banana Spider that lives outside their toyroom window. It's pretty tiny for a banana spider, but she's growing fast! Last night she shed her exoskeleton. The boys are in heaven. She's even caught a stink bug and has eaten the guts out. We can now see through the shell of the bug. It's kinda cool. Thank you Fuzz Ball Wuzzy for picking our window. Please don't leave and make me search out another spider friend for the boys. Thank you ever so much.
One more mentioning: If you ever worry that the cigarette industry is going out of business with all the million dollar settlements, don't worry. South Korea alone is supporting them. I'm not kidding. These people smoke like chimneys. I don't think they are up to date on the cancer risks and knowledge. I miss Amercia and all the laws and banning of smokers. It's not smog around here.. it's cigarette smoke! Oh my lands. So far, it's been the worst part of adjusting to life here.
Everything here is served family style. One big plate and everyone shares. They bring us pickles (for some reason pickles are served with everything - even the pizza joint will give you a side of pickles), another corn dish that Brad liked, and some kind of fermented white cubes. Brad is our "Mikey." He ate it, but wasn't going back for seconds. For the record, I just don't throw things at my preschooler. I force my husband to eat it too... in case it's poisonous. I'm not sure of my line of thinking there, but maybe Keith will be able to explain why he's puking his guts out later in the evening so I have a better idea on how to take care of Brad. Thanks honey, because there was NO WAY I was going to try it.
Soon the chicken arrives. Interesting. I am really doubting this is chicken. It's too tiny. It appeared to be the size of a squirrel. There were wings that looked like Merlin legs chopped up and coated in seasonings. I've seen more meat on crab legs if you know what I mean! Speaking of the seasonings. Keith got his wish. It was FIRE hot. Apparently "teriyaki" means very spicy! Upon closer inspection of the menu, we picked the only picture with a red circle next to it. Leave it to the Americans to set their stomachs ablaze. Overall it wasn't too bad - as long as I convinced myself it was truly chicken. Keith says he's seen the size of chickens around here and they are tiny. I think he was just trying to be nice. I'm happy to say I ate it, AND we got the hot kind so we don't have to go back anytime soon.
Shortly after I got here, I decided I needed a new purse. I brought my small COACH bag, and it wasn't going to cut it for what I needed. We went to the PUMA store and I got a large bag to carry my venturing-in-a-foreign-country arsenal of supplies.
For some reason... (maybe this has to do with him being related to me), Cole became obsessed with wanting a bag too. Except he wanted a purse. Every store we would go in, my son was looking at the purses and crying for one. Keith immediately needed to put a stop to this. We went into a luggage and embroidery shop and found little backpacks. They got to pick the color, and what design they wanted on it. You can imagine, it involved fighting, crying, and switching the order 15 times before all was said and done. The worst part was leaving without the backpacks. They would be ready in 5 days. Let me just say, it was a MISERABLE 5 days. Cole asked, on average, 349 times a day if his backpack was ready and when we can go pick it up. This morning the day arrived. He was up at 7:01am and the first words out of his mouth were asking if the store was open.
We picked up the backpacks and my little men are so excited. Except now he wants to go camping and hiking with his new purchase. Forget that! I should have bought him a purse. Purses don't camp ;-)
I guess I should get use to all the roughhousing the boys keep doing. The other day Brad headbutted Cole right in the face. He even has a shiner to show for it. It hasn't slowed either of them down. I seriously sound like a crazy lady telling them to stop it. I repeat myself so often even I get sick of my voice. Is it wrong to secretly hope for a small blood inducing injury? Wait a sec.. we had one of those in Texas, so that's not gonna work. What will it take? I fear for them smashing through the glass windows here. I really don't know how we haven't been kicked out of the apartments yet.
Our neighbor above us is doing a little remodeling. The jackhammer has been on for two days straight. Today I found this outside our elevator - bags, lots and lots of bags full of concrete. Should I be worried they will come through the ceiling soon? That's alot of floor!
Oh, I should also introduce you to our newest pet. Meet Fuzz Ball Wuzzy, and yes, the boys named it.
He (or she) is a Banana Spider that lives outside their toyroom window. It's pretty tiny for a banana spider, but she's growing fast! Last night she shed her exoskeleton. The boys are in heaven. She's even caught a stink bug and has eaten the guts out. We can now see through the shell of the bug. It's kinda cool. Thank you Fuzz Ball Wuzzy for picking our window. Please don't leave and make me search out another spider friend for the boys. Thank you ever so much.
One more mentioning: If you ever worry that the cigarette industry is going out of business with all the million dollar settlements, don't worry. South Korea alone is supporting them. I'm not kidding. These people smoke like chimneys. I don't think they are up to date on the cancer risks and knowledge. I miss Amercia and all the laws and banning of smokers. It's not smog around here.. it's cigarette smoke! Oh my lands. So far, it's been the worst part of adjusting to life here.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Class in Session
When I was younger my mom would ask me what I did at school today, and I never had an answer for her. Then Cole started preschool and everyday I would ask what they learned... he never could answer me. I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
I think we've decided to home school Cole. He's still on the waiting list, but there's several reasons I hope he doesn't get in. He's already completed kindergarten so for him to repeat it would only be for social purposes. It's all day, and he has to ride a bus. He would leave at 7:15am and come home around 3:30. All for social purposes. It's on base and attendance would be taken. Keith's schedule is 3 days on, 3 days off 1pm to 1am. If he has to work a weekend, he would never see Cole. And, we would not be able to travel like we wanted to because of the attendance policy.
Then part of me wants to try it. I mean, there will never be another time where it would be logical to take him out and try homeschooling. I hope this time together this year will be priceless when I send him to 1st grade next year. I also found a homeschooling group that meets on base so the kids can hang out together. He really got along well with one of the girls there. I signed him up for soccer and his new friend Jake is on the team. We've signed up for MOPS and other social ventures for him to particapate. So for all these reasons and more, we're 99% sure even if a school slot is available, we'll home school.
Just to test the waters before the base school starts (Aug 31) we started class last Monday. We are working on handwriting, math, and spelling. We did a few pages out of the workbooks and did shelfwork. Keith came home and asked what he learned in school today.... guess what... Cole didn't have an answer. I take it to mean, we did a pretty good job!
I think we've decided to home school Cole. He's still on the waiting list, but there's several reasons I hope he doesn't get in. He's already completed kindergarten so for him to repeat it would only be for social purposes. It's all day, and he has to ride a bus. He would leave at 7:15am and come home around 3:30. All for social purposes. It's on base and attendance would be taken. Keith's schedule is 3 days on, 3 days off 1pm to 1am. If he has to work a weekend, he would never see Cole. And, we would not be able to travel like we wanted to because of the attendance policy.
Then part of me wants to try it. I mean, there will never be another time where it would be logical to take him out and try homeschooling. I hope this time together this year will be priceless when I send him to 1st grade next year. I also found a homeschooling group that meets on base so the kids can hang out together. He really got along well with one of the girls there. I signed him up for soccer and his new friend Jake is on the team. We've signed up for MOPS and other social ventures for him to particapate. So for all these reasons and more, we're 99% sure even if a school slot is available, we'll home school.
Just to test the waters before the base school starts (Aug 31) we started class last Monday. We are working on handwriting, math, and spelling. We did a few pages out of the workbooks and did shelfwork. Keith came home and asked what he learned in school today.... guess what... Cole didn't have an answer. I take it to mean, we did a pretty good job!
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