The Last Thursday: Kakao Talk

It turned out to be a very exciting, fun filled last Thursday together.  The day went as follows....

Morning:  Took Naysia to school.  Came back and took the chickadees to school.  Went to work.

Afternoon: Picked up Naysia.  Picked up the chickadees.  I forgot to do something very important at work so we all went back.

"A" Mountain

They played in the pool.  So-Yun showcased her piano skills.  Home for a short while.  While we waited for the time to pass, the chickadees were determined to figure out how we were going to remain in touch--for free.  Sure email is a great option, but they want to talk.  Long story short we all downloaded the Kakao apps on our phones and strangely enjoyed being able to call and chat with each other as we sat on the same couch. 

Introduction to Grandma

And Papa

Enjoying Trey!

Yummmmm, dinner

Evening:  Naysia had a flute lesson at 5pm.  While she practiced, the girls and I headed to the South Side to find some trinkets for them to take home to their family.  We ended up at Family Dollar.  In the parking lot their was a carnival.  We had some cotton candy and people watched.  After picking up Naysia we went to "A" Mountain which turned out to be more fun than I would have guessed.  We stood at the top and yelled as loud as we could.  I gave them all a brief lesson on the history of Tuc-Town.  We watched the sun set and took many a picture.  Afterwards we went to Big Grandma's house where they were able to meet Grandma Mary and Papa Henry.  Then we went to my momma's.  They desperately wanted to see Trey.  They played with him and read a couple of books to him.

For dinner we went to Takamatsu.  A first for us all.  We had a table full of food and by the end we were plain silly.

As the night draws to a close the girls are cuddled up on the couch watching scary movies.  We have decided that tomorrow night we'll have a major slumber party in the living room.  I'm secretly going to miss them a little. 

The Last Sunday: Birthday Party

Although So-Yun's birthday isn't until February 9th, we decided to have a birthday party yesterday.  It was a fantastic event.  Plenty of her classmates in attendance, 2 host parents, and some of my family and friends.

Her "American Party" was filled with popular K-Pop hits, streamers, silly string, frisbees, board games, bubbles, balloons, pizza, ice cream, and cake.  One of the host moms/teacher showed the kids how to make a pinata.  That was a first for them.  It was quite hilarious watching them as they watched the blind-folded student holding the bat, undoubtedly swinging at the air.

She received several gifts.  The question all the adults had was, "How is she going to get this stuff home?"
It was a very long day, but well worth it.

At the end of the night she came to my room and said that when we got home she was so happy that she cried......Awwwwwwwwwwww!!!!

She was so thankful and appreciative for all that was done.

At bedtime all of the girls were in bed with me.  We made silly faces, Naysia blew bubbles, and the chickadees talked about their island.  When asked if they were ready to go home, in unison they answered no.

Eventually they made their way across the hall....only to return a few minutes later.  They wanted to sleep with us!!!!  I let them have my bed and I went to the couch.

This morning they were all 3 on the couch with me.  Can't stay away from Momma Reeka's love :)

Day 20: Birthday Leftovers

The excitement of school is wearing thin for the chickadees.  In the old days they woke up excited, dressed and ready to go.  This morning they were slow moving and we ended up leaving late.

Sure my birthday was last week, but my staff put on a lovely birthday potluck in my honor today.  The food, as always, was very delicious and I was excited that there were leftovers to bring home.  Hooray!!!  I don't have to cook tonight!!

Charles was gracious enough to pick up Naysia for me.  I picked up the chickadees at 4pm.  The sweetest scenario.....as they saw the car pull into the school parking lot they were on the curb jumping up and down.  I had the windows down and could hear them saying, "Eomma!!  Eomma!!"  Before So-Yun even got in the car all the way she yells, "HUNGRY!" 

When we got home I unwrapped all the food so they could eat.  I ran a few errands.  After being home for about an hour, I pressed them to get dressed so we could go shopping for party snacks. 
The cart was loaded with plenty of drinks and chips and along the way they managed to sneak lip gloss in too.

We got home and So-Yun says she is hungry again.  I told her she was welcome to eat more birthday leftovers.  She didn't want that, "Eomma, please can you cook for me?  Please?  Pleeeeeeeeeease????"  So against every bit of will in my body I cooked for her.  While I grumbled, Naysia made me some tea.

By 9pm, the house was quiet and everyone was in bed. 

Days: 18~19: ??????

The days zoom by.  The girls giggle, alot.  They make fun of me in a language I don't understand.  It's been great, but I'm counting down the days :)  Everyone is excited about this weekend's party.  Tonight we went shopping so they all have something new to wear for the party.

Tonight So-Yun put her phone number in my contacts.  I promised I'd call her occasionally.  They ate tons of ice cream and cookies.  And did some wild dance to a song with a lyric of roly poly.

Tuesday Highlight:  Us all in my bed laughing about heaven only knows.
Wednesday Highlight: Watching in amazement as Naysia helped them with their English power-point presentation due tomorrow and they taught her a couple of new things about their country.

Another late night

This Eomma is tired!

Day 17: Manic Monday

Nothing Else Matters

Day 16: Happy Birthday to me!!! Kind of!

The girls came into my room at midnight and woke me up to grace me with a very animated "Happy Birthday" song.  I have no idea what time they went to bed.  I woke up earlier than planned.  They woke up earlier than I hoped for.

The chickadees had made plans to go to Mrs. Warren's house (their teacher) who lives very far from me.  Their buddies were going to be there, Naysia wanted to go too.  I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to have some alone time, so I called Mrs. Warren to make sure they had permission. 

I phoned her about 1030am.  She said sure, they can come but please pick them up by 1pm. :(

We got there about 1130.  I dashed away quickly, and after 3 stops, found a place to have a pedicure done.  After a relaxing hour, I headed back to Mrs. Warren's.  On the way home they all fell asleep....until I pulled into the In&Out Burger drive thru. 

We came home, put on a movie and ate.  A few hours later they wanted to go shopping, so to Bookman's they went, to work I went.

While I did receive several text messages, phone calls and FB messages it was a very emotional day for me.  I was mad at Naysia and really missing my dad. 

I went to bed angry which I try not to do....but God had another plan in store.  About 1030pm everyone was in bed.  My brother Loren called to give his birthday shout out.  The call quickly turned into an update on our houseguests.  A while into the conversation the chickadees came into the room, loud and giggly as ever.  Next thing you know, they are all in bed with me and we on Face Time with Loren and then Chai.  The girls had the best time and by the time I closed my eyes for the night I was happy too.

Day 15: San Xavier Saturday

I've reached a point where I'm struggling to find things for them to do in good ole' Tuc-Town.  We woke to some much needed rain.  Every bone in my body wanted to stay home and enjoy it, but I told them we'd go riding.

We headed to the South Side to set eyes on The White Dove of The Desert, San Xavier Mission.  We haven't been in years so it was interesting to see how much renovation took place.

All of the girls were mesmerized by the beauty and the preservation. While we walked throughout I could softly hear the snap of 3 little cameras. We walked up Grotto Hill to the east and took more pictures.  We didn't talk much.  They read some of the postings and toured the small museum. 

We didn't make it to the car before one of them yelled "Hungry!"  As I turned around they all rubbed their bellies and made the hungriest faces possible.

Lunch at The Grand Buffet was less than stellar.  Naysia ate quickly while the two chickadees made googly eyes at one of the young servers.  They'd look at him, he'd look back, they'd look away and giggle.

Our next stop was Shama's house.  The holidays were wild and we didn't get a chance to hook so.  So finally my nieces got to open their gifts which made me very happy.  They have a new addition, a puppy named Princess.  The chickadees loved on baby Aaliyah, Naysia loved on Princess, and the rest of us played a Wii dance game.

We had to be at Grandma's by 4pm to take her to work.  After dropping her off we went to Joann Fabrics then to Park Place to see "Mama". 

It was a good day.

Day 14: TGIF!

Patty took Naysia to school this morning, which allowed for me to not have to leave so early--and get a head start on work for the day.
The girls are always happy in the morning....but today there was some pep in their step as they had party invitations to deliver!
After dropping them off, I went in to work and had a day I'd rate a D+.  I could not wait to get home.

Naysia called to bark that she was ready.  I picked her up at 2:40pm.  She and some classmates had tickets for a Q&A session with Carol Burnett at 3:30pm.  I thought for sure we had enough time to get to Centennial Hall.  Little did I know snowbirds and construction had other plans.  She was undoubtedly late.

I had 20minutes at home alone before it was time to pick up the chickadees.  No sooner than I got in the car to get them Naysia called to say she was ready.  My Goodness!!!!


We all made it home about 5:30pm and they had the nerve to ask if we could go shopping.  I'd thought if I had a little nap we could go out.  By the time I was ready they had settled into Netflix, curling irons, makeup and snacks.  It was a very peaceful Friday night home.

Days: 10~11~12~13: The Highlights

This week has flown by!  I've been writing posts before bedtime, but this week I just haven't had the time.  So, my friends, here is a brief synopsis of our week so far.

Monday: "The Sick and The Restless".  Naysia was feeling pretty crummy and spent most of the day in bed. Thankfully it wasn't the flu, but a very bad cold.  The girls were frustrated because they wanted to play and Naysia couldn't.  I got them out of the house for some grocery shopping.  We first went to Starbucks then to Fry's.  Later that evening we met some of the other host families and students at Skate Country.

Tuesday: "Dress Up".  Naysia woke up feeling much better, but did stay home from school.  After school the girls asked to go to Kimpo Market.  They loaded up the counter with lots of food.  That night they kicked me out of the kitchen and called me to the table for a surprise dinner; kimchi soup, rice, seaweed wraps, fruit plate and fried eggs.  It was very delicious.  They stayed up very late playing dress up...music on, make up donned, in my closet and Naysia's, wearing my jewelry, dancing to K-Pop.  Thankfully Grandma Peewee came over to lay down the law!  Living room hasn't been cleaned that fast in a long time.

Wednesday: "WTH??".  So-Yun, who is usually loud and bubbly, woke up moaning and sick.  Ugh!  I called Ann the program director.  Of all days, this was the day no one was available to watch her as all the teacher chaperones were going with the students to the UofA.  So...I went to work long enough to pick some things up so I could work from home and mother her.  She slept most of the day.  She perked up in the evening.  She and Eun-Ju stayed up pretty late watching TV and talking about Eun-Ju's field trip.

Thursday: "The Ultimate Highlight".  Everyone made it to school today, thank God.  I picked up Naysia at 2:30pm.  She and I were able to do a little shopping before picking up the girls.  Naysia had flute lesson.  While she was there, the girls and I went to 4th Avenue.  While we waited for Naysia, we talked about various things.  So-Yun then says, in broken English and a tender tone, "When me and Eun-Ju go back to Korea, we are going to very very miss you".  My heart just melted :)



I'm giving her a small birthday party next weekend so we went to the store for invitations then JITB for dinner.

Day 9: Sunday Funday

It was a mellow Sunday morning.  I woke up earlier than planned, and surprisingly Naysia did too.  About 9am I peeked in on the girls to wake them for church.  We left at 1030am and headed to Marana to Tucson Young Nak Church as recommended by the fella at Kimpo Market.

We entered to find a very nice young man to direct us.  He asked the girls many questions then took them to the youth room.  Tenaysia was not at all interested, definitely a hip baby!  As the gentleman and a young lady walked with us they asked how we all ended up together.  I gave him the history of our connection, they are familiar with the program.

They led us past the Korean service which was hoppin' into a room across the hall.  The room was dimly lit with a very small stage.  On stage were 2 guitar players, a keyboard player and lead singer.  In the congregation was Steve.  Steve upon our entering immediately came over to introduce himself.  He explained that the English service was lacking in attendance--and a pastor.  He was filling in as a layman.  The band played 2 songs then Steve began to speak to all 7 of us.  It was intimate, and awkward.  The service lasted all of 45 minutes.  Meanwhile So-Yun and Eun-Ju were among their peers and would be for at least another 30 minutes.

Naysia and I sat in the common area and within 10 minutes all seats at our table were filled.  Steve, his niece, and 3 church leaders surrounded us.  I have to say we couldn't have talked to nicer people.  The girls came out soon after.  Lunch was served.  Naysia and I passed, but So-Yun and Eun-Ju were right at home!!!  We stayed until about 1pm, all along meeting more very kind souls.  We were invited to return and I have a feeling we will.

We headed west to do some sightseeing.  If you have spent a length of time in Tucson you may be familiar with Gates Pass.  We took Grant/Ironwood and sailed thru the dips a countless number of times.  The first time was the best!!!  None of them saw it coming...you should have heard the screams and laughter, followed by "Again! Again!"  We turned around, and around, and around.  We finally headed up to Gates Pass, parked and walked a trail for a short distance.  All you could hear were camera clicks and although I don't know the language, amazement was clearly understood. 

Yeah right!

I've been to Gates Pass God knows how many times.  I've passed by the sign with the deer on it and never really given it thought because why are there deer in the desert?  Today, as we headed back up the very steep mountain, 3 absolutely stunning deer danced across the road!!!  We all cheered, I couldn't believe what I was seeing!  It was just perfect :)

We took to the dips again then headed home.  I had to go to work for a few hours.  When I got home you would have thought they'd known each other forever.  So thankful the tension of a 3some had melted.  In unison they said, "I'm hungry!"~~and they wanted to go bowling. 

Lucky Strike bowling alley it was.  Eun-Ju chose not to participate, but she was an awesome cheerleader.  Naysia struggled as a left handed bowler.  So-Yun's ball stopped in the gutter not once, not twice, but 3 times.  She was soooo embarrassed.  Lots of people there, lots of fun.

They decided on fried chicken for dinner.  I just could not cook so we went to Church's Chicken.  They had a picnic in the living room while watching a scary movie. Naysia and Eun-Ju shared a blanket on the floor.  So-Yun and I kicked it on the couch.  Another fantastic day!!!!

Day 8: Super Sabado

Naysia was up about 5:30am feeling ill.  I gave her some medicine and we went back to sleep.  I wasn't up for good until about 9:30am which is rare for me.  About an hour later everyone was woken up to get ready for today's busy day.

Just a part of the crew

We left home at 12:15pm and met the crew at Peter Piper Pizza.  About a quarter of the Korean students and their host families were in attendance which made for a rather large group.  Unfortunately, neither one of Naysia's friends from her school were there so she was stuck to me like glue.  Meanwhile So-Yun and Eun-Ju ran around with their buddies, taking pictures and cheesin hard!  They played a couple of games and got on the ride twice.  Naysia and I were cracking up at their facial expressions.

The next stop was Park Place Mall.  The kids all walked across, us lazy parents drove and met them at the food court.  After lunch they shopped for about an hour. 

Mrs. Warren then decided that all of the kids could come to her house for cake.  She lives quite far from where we were.  She asked if I would mind driving So-Yun and Eun-Ju to her home.  I agreed, I was actually looking forward to having some alone time with Naysia.....but then after more thought decided I needed to be free from them all.  I asked her if Nays could come over too and she said she had already asked.  Naysia had befriended a student there and really wanted to spend more time with her.

The group grows!

So, we all piled into my car (including Naysia's new friend Valencia) and headed southeast to Mrs. Warren's.  We arrived at her most amazing home!!  The kids all ran up and down the stairs saying, "Miss, I want to live here!!!!!"  I was thinking the same thing.  I stayed for about 20 minutes then came home.  She brought the kids home about 830pm. 

All the girls were tired.  The said they had a good time at her house on the trampoline and watching The Walking Dead.  So-Yun had a bit of a rough spot at the house.  One of the boys embarrassed her in front of the group and it brought her to tears.  I poured the Eomma Reeka love on, she was seemingly better by bedtime.






The chickadees are tucked in tight and I'm not far behind them.  Another good day!

Day 7: "Wake Up!!!!!!!!"

I think secretly we were all glad it was Friday.  Patty was kind enough to take Naysia to school which made for a much needed leisurely morning routine.  Naysia was not happy she was leaving earlier than everyone else.

The girls and I left in just enough time for them to get to school.  I thought I'd have an easy day at work, far from it.  My step-pop Charles picked Naysia up so I could stay a little later to get some things done.  The girls get out of school at 3:50pm, I didn't leave work until 3:45pm.

By the time I arrived the parking lot and play ground were pretty empty.  I sat for about 5 minutes hoping they'd come out of the cafeteria.  They didn't.  I made my way to the office.  I was directed to a classroom where other students were...but So-Yun and Eun-Ju weren't there.  I began to worry.  What I later learned was they took a different hallway and were waiting for me near the car.  While I was in the classroom asking for them one of the Korean students approached me and asked, "Are you So-Yun's eomma?"  I smiled and said yes.  She then says, "She really likes you.  She says you are very loud, especially in the morning when you tell her to Wake Up!"  I agreed, yes I can be quite loud.  The teacher then approached and shared that she was the one who sent an email about a group of them getting together tomorrow for a pizza party and that we were invited.  I said we'd be there and took off.

The girls were by the car.  We were home in less than 10 minutes.  Most of this week they would come out of the room to eat but not for much more socialization.  If they do come out, usually So-Yun is the first and Eun-Ju soon follows.  Imagine our surprise tonight when Eun-Ju came out and sat next to us.  My first question was, "Are you okay?"  She shook her head yes and grabbed a pillow and settled into the corner.  We were watching a movie.  I asked her if she'd like to choose something and she said she wanted a scary movie.  A girl after my own heart.  We put on 'Ju-On'...then So-Yun joined us.  So-Yun does not like scary movies and neither does Naysia, but they watched--and screamed.  Eun-Ju and I thought they were a couple of chickens.  We then watched 'Paranormal Activity 3', then 'Paranormal Activity 2'.  At some point I ended up in my room, laughing while listening to their reactions.

Ramen with egg

Eun-Ju made ramen with eggs.  While she cooked I began to peel a grapefruit.  I asked if she wanted some and she said she didn't know what it was.  Blasphemy!!!  This sparked a conversation about different types of fruit.  Strawberries are a delicacy (very very expensive).  She's never heard of apricots, blackberries, mangoes, raspberries or blueberries.  Getting them all at some point while they are here.  She tried the grapefruit and loved it!

After they ate we went to Walmart, where they spent alot of their money.  They excitedly skipped up and down the aisles looking for junk to take home to family and friends.

Wreaking havoc in the Walmart parking lot

my 3 little chickadees

As we were leaving Walmart, a small family came to the car and asked if they were from Korea.  Turns out the mom was a TUSD school nurse and while she doesn't host children, she supports the program in several ways.  She kindly thanked us for opening up our home and encouraged participation next year.

We got home rather late.  Everyone retreated to their room and went to sleep.  Today was a good day.