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.

Day 6: Very Very Like

The morning started out rough.  Naysia is not a morning person, and the two little ones were tired from being out late last night.  We b a r el y made it out of the door on time!  After dropping Naysia off, we stopped for gas then to the middle school.  There was no running to class this morning, they were so tired.

Patty was kind enough to pick up Naysia from school and bring her to work.  She and I left soon after to pick up the girls.  On the way over we disagreed about what we should have for dinner.  By the time we got to them we agreed to let them decide.

When they got settled in the car Naysia asked, "Are you hungry?".  "Yes".  "What do you want to eat?"  "Korean food".  I immediately began to do a brain scan of nearby restaurants, but Nays suggested one of her favorite places, Kimpo Market on 5th Street. 

As we pulled up in front of the store, So-Yun reads the sign and loudly blurts out, "Korean Market????"  Yep.  She said it again in amazement.  Yep.  At that point she jumped out of the car and ran into the store.  By the time Naysia and I got in they had already met the store owner and was giving him a series of High 5s.  When they noticed us the girls asked what could they get and my response was whatever they wanted.  The store owner (who we see quite often) turned and says, "They are with you?" Yep.  He grinned from ear to ear.  "Ohhhhhhh, you are so kind for taking them in.  I am familiar with the program.  Thank you!" 

All 3 girls buzzed up and down the aisles picking up heaven knows what.  Meanwhile Mr. Store Owner and I talked about them and what church they should attend while here.  He hyped his up so we'll check it out on Sunday.  Anything I can do to help them feel at home. 

We checked out with the largest Kimpo bill yet!  After salutations and pictures we got back into the car.  So-Yun tapped by shoulder, I turned around and she said with a big ole smile, "I'm Happy."

Tonight was the most fun we've had since Eun-Ju joined our crew.  The two girls cooked, Naysia was the DJ with Korean Pop hits we all know and love.  The girls thought it was quite amusing that I knew the songs :)
We talked in English and Korean, one teaching the other new words.  While boiling the eggs, Eun-Ju told a little story.  This is a very loose translation.  "People look at our skin and call us white.  We are not white.  This egg right here, THAT is white."  You had to be there, the effort it took for her to say it in English as well as her body language were priceless.

They took their time cooking and carefully explaining the recipe.  The dish they prepared is called tteokbokki (tuk-bo-key).  It consisted of, or rather this is my understanding, rice noodles, garlic, boiled eggs, green onion, fish cakes, and a sweet/spicy sauce.  It was "very very like."  They shared they eat it almost daily and that is Korea's most popular dish.  I enjoyed it and hope to be able to duplicate it someday. During dinner we talked more, sang more, and took lots and lots of pictures.

Afterwards we headed to Bookmans and then to Dairy Queen.  After a late last night and a fun evening tonight, all 3 girls are now in bed.  We have a busy and hopefully enjoyable weekend lined up.

Until tomorrow,

 Eomma Reeka

 

Day 5: The Highlights

Here is a quick rundown of today's top moments:

1)  Leaving home early

2)  A cheerful adieu to Naysia at the drop off

!!!Boy Band Fever!!!

3)  So-Yun playing "Fur Elise" on the piano at work

4)  Listening to them sing on the way to school

5)  The look on their faces when they tried Mexican food

6)  The look on Eun-Ju's face when she tried avocado

7)  The shrieks when Monster's Inc in 3-D started

8)  Sitting next to Naysia enjoying the movie like we had seen it for the first time

9)  Hearing all 3 girls giggle while they watched Korean boy band videos on YouTube

About to watch Monsters Inc 3-D

10) Sharing this experience with anyone who cares to listen

This Momma is tired tonight. 

Day 4: First Name BahHumbug Last Name GrumpyPants

The title refers to me.  I woke up really grumpy, not really sure why.  And all day long it's kind of crept in and taken over.  How I'm going to make this the best possible experience for all parties involved?

The truth of the matter is all I can do is be gracious and kind and loving.  Whatever comes of this will just be.

Not to mislead anyone.....nothing significant has happened.  I'm just over thinking like usual.

Everyone was up and moving by 6am.  The morning routine was smoother than yesterday and we even left on time.  We dropped Naysia off.  She grumbled good-bye, we all grumbled back.  We then stopped at Walgreen's for my morning snack.  As we pulled into the parking lot I heard a loose English burst of "Why are we here?"  I explained I had to run in quickly.  They opted to stay in the car.

A very sleepy Eun-Ju

Eight minutes later we were on the road to the middle school.  When the car stopped I expected some enthusiasm on their part but it was silent.  I turned around to find them both asleep in the back seat.  As I fumbled to get my camera Eun-Ju woke up.  Realizing where she was she tapped So-Yun and they hopped out of the car.  I watched them as they ran into the school lobby.

Off to work I went, picked up Naysia at 2:50pm, back to work for 40 minutes then we picked up the girls.  When we got home Naysia was put in charge of dinner and keeping them awake while I got away for an hour.  Upon my arrival home they had just wrapped up watching Korean boy band videos and the girls were on the phone talking to family at home.

It's just after 9pm, the giggling and talking has quieted down and the lights are off.  Naysia will sleep in my bed and I just might sleep on the couch tonight. 

Here's hoping my outlook is a positive one in the morning.

Sincerely,

What God says to me :)

Miss BahHumbug GrumpyPants

Day 3: School's In

Naysia and I slept together last night.  When my alarm went off at 5 am, the first thing I heard was the sound of laughter and talking from across the hall.

When I opened up the door Eun Ju was going thru her suitcase.  So-Yun was sitting up in bed then quickly pretended like she was asleep. :)  I asked if they slept at all.  They said yes....hmmmm, I wonder.

The logistics of getting us all dressed in time was tricky but we got it done.  The girls had frosted flakes for breakfast and everyone was in the car by 7:10am.

First we dropped Naysia off at school, then, because we had time to spare, we went to my job.  The were wired up and within minutes they were looking around campus as well as taking pictures.  So-Yun came to my office and said, with smiling eyes "Piano".  I'd forgotten she said she played.  We headed to the clubhouse, she sat at the piano and blew me away. 

We were only there about 20 minutes before we headed to the middle school to drop them off.  We parked in the lot and as soon as they got out of the car they dashed into the school--not only because it was cold, but mainly in search of their friends. 

So-Yun was the leader.  As we entered the school lobby she turned to the right, walking directly into the center of the crowd looking around for a familiar face.  She came back to me and said, "Where's My Teacher??!!"  I had to keep from laughing, her English could not have been any clearer.  As we turned and headed the opposite direction they spotted their crew and ran in delight.

After school we met at the same spot and with an interpreter present chose a designated drop off/pick up spot.  All 3 were tired and grumpy by the time we got home.  I learned they are only daughters just like Naysia....and just as spoiled.  All 3 were dozing off so I had to cook dinner in a hurry.  In an effort to please everyone I cooked chicken, rice, potatoes, and ramen.  Naysia didn't say much~but she had 2 plates.  Eun Ju~also didn't say much but tried everything.  So-Yun~Had 2 bowls of ramyun and said "delicious" as she slurped up a noodle.

It's 8:30pm, all the princesses are in bed and the queen is headed there soon.

Day 2: And then there were 2

 Yep, you are seeing correctly.  Two girls in the photo, cheesin in Naysia's room

We have been doubly blessed to now have two girls in our home.  So-Yun on the left and Eun Ju on the right.

When the program coordinators were here they shared a problem.  There weren't very many family participants which meant sending several students to the same home.  One of the students, a female, had been placed in a home along with 3 male students.  Needless to say her parents were PISSED when they learned their daughter was in the company of so many young men.  They wanted her moved, and pronto.

Their question to me was, would I be interested in adding another young lady.  Of course.  They would let me know tomorrow and arrange transportation for her if the family were in agreement with the new placement.  

About 2 hours later a call came in from Ann.  Yes, the family wanted her moved her.  Tonight!!!!!!  

Two hours later they showed up with Eun Ju, and more gifts :)  Undoubtedly, So-Yun was very excited to have her buddy here.  They bounced off to Naysia's room and talked....for hours.  I'm happy for So-Yun that she has a mate, but what happened was 3 became a crowd.  Naysia found her way to my room and was a bit solemn.  I snuggled in next to her so we could talk about it.  She said she understood why it had to happen and that she was okay, but her demeanor said otherwise.  

Hopefully over the next couple of days the 3 of them will be getting on fine.

Day 2-Momma Reeka gets naked

I woke up this morning to find So-Yun still very wide awake.  She did not sleep all night long.  I recall when Naysia came home from Korea that it took some time to adjust to the correct sleep/wake schedule.

She was watching television and playing a game on my Ipad.  Naysia was still sleeping soundly.  I, as best as I could, explained to So-Yun that we would go to my church today, lunch then shopping.  She smiled!

After showing her where the laundry room was and how to work the shower, I woke up Naysia and hopped in the shower myself.

While following my usual shower routine (sitting on the chair in my room, in my birthday suit, putting lotion on) there was a knock on the door then it opened.  I thought it was Naysia....but much to my naked city surprise~and her's too~it was So-Yun.  Quite embarrassing for us both!!!!!  Note taken, tomorrow morning I will lock the bedroom door.

We went to church but did not make it thru the entire service as the poor young lady was falling asleep.  Her head nod to and fro, she just could not stay awake.  We were all hungry and decided on Chili's for lunch.  She was amazed when her plate came and in plain English said, "This is ALL for me?"  She and Naysia both brought home leftovers and refused dessert.

God is good All the time!

We then headed to the mall where they both 'conveniently' left their money at home.  I gave them $20/each and encouraged them to shop the clearance racks.  About an hour into shopping Naysia called for more money.  Sadly for them I denied the request.

Apron

Hanky

At 4:30pm, Ann the program director in Tucson, Mr. ?? program director from Korea, and 4 teachers came over for a home visit.  They stayed for about 45 minutes.  They had heard about Tenaysia's accomplishment last year and her trip to Korea.  They showered me with gifts, a matching fan and handkerchief and an apron.  The greatest gift was a comment So-Yun made.  Of course their concern was how she was feeling in our home.  She said that she was very comfortable, that we were kind and that she felt like she was right at home.  I hope she forgot about that "encounter" we had this morning.  What an honor.

Catching up with the fam next door

The girls have spent their evening giggling, nail painting, eating and smiling.

   

Cheese!  I mean....Kimchi!

Have I mentioned how glad I am to have her here?