Finally. We have saved and saved and saved for over 7 years. I have gathered things we would need over the years to keep from spending all at once. I have watched fares for over 2 years. I have researched where we would want to go and checked information on the hotels.
Finally, it's real. Of course, I'll feel better once we're on that plane, but we have hotel reservations at Fraser Place Central for a two bedroom premier room, which is AWESOME! We get a breakfast buffet every morning, which is great, even though there is a Paris Baguette nearby. Today, I held my breath and bought the airline tickets. That is literally the biggest purchase I'll ever put on my credit card. I had to check the balance first to make sure it wouldn't get maxed out over the limit. I had to even call them to let them know there would be a very large purchase coming through. But, I did it!
We used East West Travel Agency in Chicago and Cathy was SO SO nice and didn't shoo me like some of the other agents when I asked 20 million questions. She's very attentive to everything. They even have a Seoul contact number, so we should be good either way, regardless of where we are. And comparably she got us the best fares of anyone I called. So, we're going to go all out and fly Korean Air. Each of us will have our own tv screen and be able to watch whatever movie we choose or the kids can watch kid shows or listen to music. Each seat also has a USB charger and outlet so the kids can charge their iPods the whole 13 hour flight from Chicago to Seoul and be fully entertained. Most of the other flights said there was only one meal offered during the flight time, but they're feeding us twice, plus they overwhelm with snacks during the flight. Our travel agent even emailed me so she could put in the kids' meal requests. They can choose between an adult Korean meal or a kids meal (spaghetti, pizza, hamburger, etc.). Jaemin is getting the kids meal and the girls are having bibimbap!
Cathy put us in great seats on the first flight to Chicago, so we're sitting in front of and back of each other and then she will select our exact seats for Korean Air about 90 days before the flight. You can't do it until then.
Now the agencies are all working to talk to the foster mothers to see if they can visit with us on our non-planned days. Jaemin's has already said she's ready to see him. I can't wait for them all to see the kids and how big they've gotten. I can't wait to see our big boys in this new environment. Chase asked me this morning if planes fly above the clouds. I told him it will and he just said 'that is awesome' with that little girly voice on the awesome like boys do.
The girls have drawn pictures for their Korean mother's files. I've written my letter. I printed off the portraits I took this fall of all of them and put their Korean names on them and their ages so I can frame for their foster mothers as a gift. Then, we'll leave one in their Korean mothers' files as well. Now I just pray no one gets sick or anything before the trip.
YAY!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
LONG....Update
I've just been too busy and tired over the holidays to even try to get on here. The less computer time the better and this blog sometimes is just too much. Though I know I want to keep my journal up, so I always come back.
My brother FINALLY made it back for Christmas. They were only able to stay a few days due to the occurrences and Jaemin already misses E. He thinks he should be at grandma and papas all the time.
We also finally heard back from Make a Wish on Cole's wish to go to Korea. They told us Korea said no. I found that a little hard to believe as she got more into the story of it, but what can you say? She said Korea said there were political things going on though both her and I didn't know of anything. She then said she told Korea Make a Wish that they would just the assist for us to go to Korea and Korea would only serve as an emergency contact if we had anything happen medically. She said Korea said no to that as well. That's where I wondered if it was true or just a reason to say no without saying it was just too big of a wish. Their saying is no wish is too big, but that's really not true. Not logically and realistically, but it would have been great if they would have told us and Cole last March when he wished it. Then, she proceeded to tell me he could either rewish totally since no one knows what happened to his wish granters or he could go with his 2nd choice of a Cabela's shopping spree. Here's the kicker. She explained to me how it would work and we'd end up responsible for some of the costs. They're web site says theses wishes are granted without families having to pay for anything so there would be no worries. I'm NOT okay with this. We are emptying our savings to go to Korea....yep, that's right we're going anyways....after 7 full years of saving for it, we can't afford to pay for meals, etc. so he can go there. He's tried to think of a different wish but hasn't been able to. It's been so stressful we're thinking of telling them to forget it.
Onto Korea. We scaled our plans back A LOT. There will be no birth city trip and it will be a little shorter, but we should be able to squeeze in everything we want to do and see and especially the foster mothers. We have our tickets on hold. I just have to call this week after I move things off my credit card so it doesn't max out (pay it down is what I mean), and I can get our airfare. We are barely getting tickets anyways. I was told in the fall to wait until January or February by every agent I called and suddenly by December all of the fares were gone or almost gone and only expensive ones left. We found another Korean agent in Chicago who was able to get a pretty decent rate on Korean Air, so we stayed in my budget thanks to her. We'll nail down the hotel and fare details this week. I already have reservations at Fraser Place Central like last time, but I want to see if we can get a little better rate before things are final. Every dollar counts on this huge trip and most of the dollars are in the $15000 hotel and airfare portion of the budget.
But, we have an itinerary made, emails sent to the agencies so they can contact the foster mothers. Gift list started. Baggage figured out. Maps and directions to everywhere! Reminders on my calendar for what we can't do yet. Passport application for Jaemin ready to go. And a growing list of things we will still need to have before we go.
My brother FINALLY made it back for Christmas. They were only able to stay a few days due to the occurrences and Jaemin already misses E. He thinks he should be at grandma and papas all the time.
We also finally heard back from Make a Wish on Cole's wish to go to Korea. They told us Korea said no. I found that a little hard to believe as she got more into the story of it, but what can you say? She said Korea said there were political things going on though both her and I didn't know of anything. She then said she told Korea Make a Wish that they would just the assist for us to go to Korea and Korea would only serve as an emergency contact if we had anything happen medically. She said Korea said no to that as well. That's where I wondered if it was true or just a reason to say no without saying it was just too big of a wish. Their saying is no wish is too big, but that's really not true. Not logically and realistically, but it would have been great if they would have told us and Cole last March when he wished it. Then, she proceeded to tell me he could either rewish totally since no one knows what happened to his wish granters or he could go with his 2nd choice of a Cabela's shopping spree. Here's the kicker. She explained to me how it would work and we'd end up responsible for some of the costs. They're web site says theses wishes are granted without families having to pay for anything so there would be no worries. I'm NOT okay with this. We are emptying our savings to go to Korea....yep, that's right we're going anyways....after 7 full years of saving for it, we can't afford to pay for meals, etc. so he can go there. He's tried to think of a different wish but hasn't been able to. It's been so stressful we're thinking of telling them to forget it.
Onto Korea. We scaled our plans back A LOT. There will be no birth city trip and it will be a little shorter, but we should be able to squeeze in everything we want to do and see and especially the foster mothers. We have our tickets on hold. I just have to call this week after I move things off my credit card so it doesn't max out (pay it down is what I mean), and I can get our airfare. We are barely getting tickets anyways. I was told in the fall to wait until January or February by every agent I called and suddenly by December all of the fares were gone or almost gone and only expensive ones left. We found another Korean agent in Chicago who was able to get a pretty decent rate on Korean Air, so we stayed in my budget thanks to her. We'll nail down the hotel and fare details this week. I already have reservations at Fraser Place Central like last time, but I want to see if we can get a little better rate before things are final. Every dollar counts on this huge trip and most of the dollars are in the $15000 hotel and airfare portion of the budget.
But, we have an itinerary made, emails sent to the agencies so they can contact the foster mothers. Gift list started. Baggage figured out. Maps and directions to everywhere! Reminders on my calendar for what we can't do yet. Passport application for Jaemin ready to go. And a growing list of things we will still need to have before we go.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Whew!
We forced Cole, totally against his will, to go to the doctor today. I met my yearly deductible and his knee was still giving him trouble after the 12/8 injury, from time-to-time. I took him to the school's sports medicine doc who decided he needed an MRI. He said that since it hurt when he moved to a specific position it was either a bone bruise or meniscus problem. This was the only way to be sure. Got the MRI done 3 hours later and back to the doctor to see what the deal was. Thankfully.....very thankfully, it was just a bad bone bruise. He said he can wrestle up to what he can tolerate and it will eventually heal.
No surgery necessary.....yay!!!
No surgery necessary.....yay!!!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas 2012
As with every family holiday there are some fighting with the stress. Last night was Brian's grandmas with all the aunts and cousins. I sort of dread it just for it's uncomfortableness. It's just a different environment for me to handle. No one's really rude or anything like that; it's just me. We left shortly after dinner so we could go to the local church. The first song was Away in a Manger which Jaemin had just learned at daycare. He belted out every word as loud as he could and you could hear him above everyone. It was pretty cute.
Today was our laid back Christmas Day. Since B isn't coming home with E until tomorrow we're not having my side's Christmas until this weekend. That meant we only had to go to Brian's mom and dad's this morning and then come home for naps and have the day to ourselves to kick back. We did the same thing we did last year and just ate junk food and played games and watched movies. We had cheesecake, wings, toasted ravioli, little smokies, shrimp and carrots for health. :) Tonight we decided to have ice cream sundaes to top it all off. We squeezed in Home Alone (kind of a tradition with the kids) and watched Jaemin's new Christmas present from his grandma, Madagascar 3. We played a round of Headbands and 2 rounds of Apples to Apples. They had a REALLY great time playing games and we had a ton of laughs. I wish I had pictures of everyone wearing their headbands, but decided it was time to focus on us and not in the back taking pictures.
They all got really fun gifts and though it's still not as spoiled as some kids they were really good with them all and are very thankful. So far, from us, and 3 grandparents they got iPods, the cases for them, tons of games (Apples to Apples, Headbands, Hungry Hungry Herd, Thomas Trouble, etc.), Madagascar 3, Brave, Barbie stuff, Dance games for the Wii, Bass Pro gift cards, hunting stuff and books. Their iPods have all been updated, synced and are ready for their play. The girls may have gotten used iPods (handmedowns), but they know enough to know they're fortunate to have those.
I'm thankful to have thankful kids. They told me they had a really good time today and that's the memories I want for them. It wasn't the gifts that made the fun, we opened them last night. It was the playing games together and eating together that made them have fun. Cole even mentioned the food we were eating wasn't anything I would normally ever buy. I said I know. He said "that's what makes this special." You got it!
It was nice. Here they are today....happy and healthy.
Today was our laid back Christmas Day. Since B isn't coming home with E until tomorrow we're not having my side's Christmas until this weekend. That meant we only had to go to Brian's mom and dad's this morning and then come home for naps and have the day to ourselves to kick back. We did the same thing we did last year and just ate junk food and played games and watched movies. We had cheesecake, wings, toasted ravioli, little smokies, shrimp and carrots for health. :) Tonight we decided to have ice cream sundaes to top it all off. We squeezed in Home Alone (kind of a tradition with the kids) and watched Jaemin's new Christmas present from his grandma, Madagascar 3. We played a round of Headbands and 2 rounds of Apples to Apples. They had a REALLY great time playing games and we had a ton of laughs. I wish I had pictures of everyone wearing their headbands, but decided it was time to focus on us and not in the back taking pictures.
They all got really fun gifts and though it's still not as spoiled as some kids they were really good with them all and are very thankful. So far, from us, and 3 grandparents they got iPods, the cases for them, tons of games (Apples to Apples, Headbands, Hungry Hungry Herd, Thomas Trouble, etc.), Madagascar 3, Brave, Barbie stuff, Dance games for the Wii, Bass Pro gift cards, hunting stuff and books. Their iPods have all been updated, synced and are ready for their play. The girls may have gotten used iPods (handmedowns), but they know enough to know they're fortunate to have those.
I'm thankful to have thankful kids. They told me they had a really good time today and that's the memories I want for them. It wasn't the gifts that made the fun, we opened them last night. It was the playing games together and eating together that made them have fun. Cole even mentioned the food we were eating wasn't anything I would normally ever buy. I said I know. He said "that's what makes this special." You got it!
It was nice. Here they are today....happy and healthy.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Sometimes
being a parent is not so rewarding.
I'm finally feeling better 2 weeks after influenza and bronchitis. Literally yesterday was my "I know I'm better" day. I was no longer nauseous and extremely fatigued. I could barely get through the day for the past two weeks. I've never been so tired. Now, I'm back to myself.
And now that I have energy, I guess I have the energy to let things bother me and worry me again. Why is it that kids can make a mom feel so inadequate? I mean most of us do or at least really try hard to do our best. We try to give them the right amount of nurturing while letting them get a little further out on the ledge and while you're doing that your teenagers make you feel as bad as they possibly can. The little kids? They still love holding your hand and adore you. Chelsi still respects me and cares about disappointing us. Jaemin loves to kiss my cheeks, my nose, my forehead. Not the big kids. The teens and preteens live to worry me and then when I try to discuss I get eye rolling, disrespect or disgust. At times I begin to think Cole's starting to outgrow some of it, but maybe it's because he's getting his way? I don't mean we're giving in or anything like that, but he's ultimately happier because he made his way back to Varsity wrestling. He cares about the way it looks, regardless if he wins or loses. I wish he could see past that importance and realize that being on JV is sometimes a necessary stepping stone like college is to having a better chance at a stable livelihood. Don't get me wrong I'm pretty happy that he didn't fight me on registering him for his first shot at the ACTs for April, but at the same time he has such low expectations for himself. I find myself constantly trying to build him up, yet sometimes I wonder how hard he really tries to help himself and in the end that's the only thing that will help his life. Chase gets irritated at me for lecturing Kaelin on her continuous lying to me. I understand it gets old. Trust me it gets old, but it's necessary to do it until she gets that it's not worth lying over really stupid little things. Chase is definitely at tween that thinks he's always right, but has totally normal annoying habits and gets irritated at everyone when everyone gets irritated at him. Kaelin is fast on his heels of tweenhood. She's so impulsive and trying to get her to just slow down seems to be such a trying part of her and my relationship. I don't want to break her, but break her of this habit so she has better control over her life.
Needless to say my little chit chats with the older ones have increased. Cole mostly seems more open to them, but maybe he's figured out how to humor me? He's definitely smart enough for that. Kaelin's much the same. Chase snaps back. He takes offense.....he's too much like me. Why is it that our kids get my worst traits? Why can't they have some of the good ones? If they only knew, really knew, just how much I worry and want the best for them. I really want Cole's grades to be a B average so he can get the discount on his car insurance and earn us paying 1/2. Regardless of some teachers desire to make school miserable and see how many kids they can fail without reasoning through why they do poorly in areas (that's another day for that one). I don't want to see Chase struggle so much. He does study hard most of the time, but I think he got my and M's poor test taking skills and that's not a good thing. Kaelin does fine grade wise for now, but I'd like to see her care more for others. I tell them I know they're not perfect and I don't expect perfection, I just worry about the bigger things that can really impact their future lives. I pray for the best for all of them and pray that some of the stuff we talk about sinks in. I pray that they realize I'm not trying to be a nag, I just care. I pray that they realize I don't enjoy disciplining them by grounding from their favorite things for what seems like constant, I just want them to learn. I pray one day they realize just how much I love and care for them and that they realize that they are my everything and their happiness is so important to me. Like I told Kaelin the other night. It's easier for a parent to not punish than to punish. Those who don't, don't care.
God, please watch over my kids and protect them and help them to make good, kind, caring decisions throughout their lives that are for the better of everyone.
I'm finally feeling better 2 weeks after influenza and bronchitis. Literally yesterday was my "I know I'm better" day. I was no longer nauseous and extremely fatigued. I could barely get through the day for the past two weeks. I've never been so tired. Now, I'm back to myself.
And now that I have energy, I guess I have the energy to let things bother me and worry me again. Why is it that kids can make a mom feel so inadequate? I mean most of us do or at least really try hard to do our best. We try to give them the right amount of nurturing while letting them get a little further out on the ledge and while you're doing that your teenagers make you feel as bad as they possibly can. The little kids? They still love holding your hand and adore you. Chelsi still respects me and cares about disappointing us. Jaemin loves to kiss my cheeks, my nose, my forehead. Not the big kids. The teens and preteens live to worry me and then when I try to discuss I get eye rolling, disrespect or disgust. At times I begin to think Cole's starting to outgrow some of it, but maybe it's because he's getting his way? I don't mean we're giving in or anything like that, but he's ultimately happier because he made his way back to Varsity wrestling. He cares about the way it looks, regardless if he wins or loses. I wish he could see past that importance and realize that being on JV is sometimes a necessary stepping stone like college is to having a better chance at a stable livelihood. Don't get me wrong I'm pretty happy that he didn't fight me on registering him for his first shot at the ACTs for April, but at the same time he has such low expectations for himself. I find myself constantly trying to build him up, yet sometimes I wonder how hard he really tries to help himself and in the end that's the only thing that will help his life. Chase gets irritated at me for lecturing Kaelin on her continuous lying to me. I understand it gets old. Trust me it gets old, but it's necessary to do it until she gets that it's not worth lying over really stupid little things. Chase is definitely at tween that thinks he's always right, but has totally normal annoying habits and gets irritated at everyone when everyone gets irritated at him. Kaelin is fast on his heels of tweenhood. She's so impulsive and trying to get her to just slow down seems to be such a trying part of her and my relationship. I don't want to break her, but break her of this habit so she has better control over her life.
Needless to say my little chit chats with the older ones have increased. Cole mostly seems more open to them, but maybe he's figured out how to humor me? He's definitely smart enough for that. Kaelin's much the same. Chase snaps back. He takes offense.....he's too much like me. Why is it that our kids get my worst traits? Why can't they have some of the good ones? If they only knew, really knew, just how much I worry and want the best for them. I really want Cole's grades to be a B average so he can get the discount on his car insurance and earn us paying 1/2. Regardless of some teachers desire to make school miserable and see how many kids they can fail without reasoning through why they do poorly in areas (that's another day for that one). I don't want to see Chase struggle so much. He does study hard most of the time, but I think he got my and M's poor test taking skills and that's not a good thing. Kaelin does fine grade wise for now, but I'd like to see her care more for others. I tell them I know they're not perfect and I don't expect perfection, I just worry about the bigger things that can really impact their future lives. I pray for the best for all of them and pray that some of the stuff we talk about sinks in. I pray that they realize I'm not trying to be a nag, I just care. I pray that they realize I don't enjoy disciplining them by grounding from their favorite things for what seems like constant, I just want them to learn. I pray one day they realize just how much I love and care for them and that they realize that they are my everything and their happiness is so important to me. Like I told Kaelin the other night. It's easier for a parent to not punish than to punish. Those who don't, don't care.
God, please watch over my kids and protect them and help them to make good, kind, caring decisions throughout their lives that are for the better of everyone.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
On the mend and catching up
Hopefully, Brian, Cole, Chase and Kaelin had their influenza vaccines early enough to avoid catching it. I caught it. I spent 5 days in bed and was completely miserable! Body aches, fever, chills and then it turned into severe bronchitis. I went to the doctor by Saturday (the 4th day) and she said she caught it before it went into pneumonia, but I need to start getting that vaccine too. She said I shouldn't get it every year. She put me on zpak, but it wasn't the actual pak. It was 3 pills at 500 mg each. That's double the standard and it made me nauseous! Between that and the 60mg of prednisone/per day. I'm still not very hungry. Good way to lose a little weight before Christmas, I guess. I have to say, though, it works. I'm getting all the gunk out and only left with nauseous and really, really tired. Work wears me out, but I get home and have catching up to do from being sick for so long. I have literally never felt that bad. I could have cared less what the house looked like or anything. I just rested in my bed constantly.
I am fortunate that I think everyone realized just how bad it was when I stopped talking AND moving. Chase would take care of supper when Brian needed to go to Cole's wrestling matches and the girls would see if I needed water. Chelsi and Jaemin would spend a little time keeping me company since they'd already had it. Jaemin tried so hard to pound on my chest to get the junk out when I got into my coughing fits. They were all so good.
Then, Brian calls from Cole's wrestling tournament an hour away. I'm so glad he left me to be with him. When his opponent shot at him, he hit Cole's knee hyperextending it. The coach thought it was a blowout, but the trainer said if the swelling and pain subside after a few days he should be good. We iced it, gave him NSAIDs, etc. His coach says now that it's getting better he'll let him start practicing next week. I don't know that that means matches or duals, but practice at least. Thank goodness there doesn't seem to be any ligament damage. The trainer said his knee seemed stable.
Long week and getting all this over with just in time for Christmas. Back to completing the shopping, wrapping and planning!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Christmas Cards - Check!
Seriously was wondering if I'd even do cards this year. I had been fighting off a sinus infection and/or cold for over 2 weeks. It wasn't just your standard sinus infection either. I was miserable and just kept using my nettipot, etc. and I feel pretty good today; even after only getting about 4 hours of sleep last night. Yep, my eyes were peeled wide open at 1am. I do NOT know why.
Then, as I was feeling bad, we Jaemin and Chelsi with influenza B. Chelsi was out of school for 4 days, but did pretty well through it. She's still pretty stopped up though. Jaemin scared me a bit more when he spiked that fever, but he's better now. The Tamiflu seemed to be a massive waste of $$. I have Jaemin back on acid reflux meds and he's finally stopped coughing constantly and then puking snot up. Gross I know. That's been going on for months now. He even put himself to bed before 7:30 tonight and was out like a light. Poor boy has some major catching up to do.
Before we're in the throws of wrestling season, I ordered the kids into their pjs by 7pm so I can do our annual Christmas card picture. Have some pity on Cole. He's 15 and way too cool for this. Preview of the awesomely, perfect card below and here's the picture that made the cut. I really love them when they let loose a little.
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